I want to play in the PICF Open
Ondřej Perušič:
I want to play in the PICF Open – and take a blow to my confidence
Ondřej Perušič is a Czech beach volleyball player who, together with his partner David Schweiner, has won the world championship title and a silver medal at the European Championship. He belongs to the group of successful Czech athletes, but he is less known for graduating from the Faculty of Law at Charles University or for being a passionate chess player. In this interview, he talks about his relationship with the royal game and about marrying into a chess family.
Ondra, how did your chess journey start?
I started when I was young, my dad taught me. I mainly played against him and against classmates at school. I never played for any club, but I returned to chess during covid. I registered with a club and started attending tournaments. My wife’s grandpa played a big role in this, as he is a passionate chess player himself and helped spark my renewed interest in this beautiful game.
What types of chess have you tried?
I have played both blitz and classical chess. I really enjoyed last year’s Prague Chess Festival, where I tried the hand and brain format with some of the world’s best players. I would definitely like to take part in the Open category this year and take a small blow to my confidence.
Before the interview, you mentioned that volleyball players tend to enjoy chess as well. Why is that?
I wasn’t the only one who returned to chess during the covid period. At that time, much of our life moved to the online world, and the TV series The Queen’s Gambit was released, which reached our circle as well. As a result, we started bringing chessboards to beach volleyball tournaments and would play in the evenings to bond and strengthen our team.
What parallels do you see between chess and beach volleyball?
I think there are many. First of all, strategic thinking and the ability to see different tactical options. There is definitely an overlap with psychology as well. It was nice to see that players who think strategically on the court know how to transfer this way of thinking to the chessboard as well. Personally, I like, especially in blitz chess, that you have to decide in a split second – just like on the court – which can be brought to the chessboard as well.
What is your wish for chess?
For it to be very popular, because I think it is a really beautiful game with many benefits and social impact. I think chess does have many benefits, most importantly it develops logical thinking, strategy, and in today’s fast-paced world it makes one to sit down, think, and focus for an extended period of time, which is something we’re missing more and more.
How often do you play?
It depends, now only occasionally, and mainly on-line and blitz games. Around 20–30 games per week. Once or twice per year I take part in a serious match or a tournament.
Will we see you at this year’s PICF?
I definitely plan to visit, and I would like to play in the Open tournament.