My dad loved to play chess. It was probably his favorite pastime and one he wanted me to learn. I toyed with the idea of playing professionally, but I’m a mediocre player at best, even though I’ve played for years.
Chess & Life
The thing about chess is that you usually know when you’ve made a mistake, especially if you’re an experienced player. You see it. You feel it. And once you’ve made the move, there are no take-backs.
I’ve found life can be much the same.
The words we speak in a meeting or the assumptions we make. The conclusions we jump to and the things we say to the people we love.
Once they’re out there, we can’t take them back. We have to live with the consequences of our choices.
But there’s one important difference between chess and life: in life, grace is possible.
We can ask our spouse for forgiveness. We can apologize to a friend. We can hope our teammates and leaders extend us grace. And, as followers of Jesus, we know there is always a path back through repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Maybe the way we play chess reveals more about us than we realize.
Are you impulsive?
Do you jump to conclusions?
Do you play defensively because you’re afraid of losing?
Are you so anxious to win that you put others in danger?
Or do you slow down, consider your next move, and think about how it affects the people around you?
How you play the game may reveal how you do life.
So before you make your next move, on the chessboard or in life, pause.
Think.
Then move wisely.
Until my next post…
Be salty, stay lit.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
© 2026 Rainer Bantau | The Devotional Guy™ | All Rights Reserved
The Devotional Guy™ 
Wow, David, be sure and rehydrate today. I’m sorry that yesterday threw you such a wicked curveball. The Ryan Express was EPIC. Probably one of, if not the greatest, pitchers ever. He’s definitely Ruthian when it comes to pitchers. That’s a pretty great memory any way you slice it, David.
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I got overheated at our school fun run yesterday, and am taking it easy today. Enjoy the game. I went to a few Rangers games when I lived in the metro-while attending seminary. I was there for Nolan Ryan’s sixth no hitter, but my friend and I left during the 7th inning stretch. We should have stayed!
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That’s a good mantra, Alan. I’m glad you enjoyed reading this. You were on my mind when I was working on it. I am may do a few more, as well as some that tie into art and creativity. Hope you and your bride have a wonderful weekend as well, Alan!
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Thanks for sharing these great thoughts, David. Yes, thankfully God shows us grace and mercy. Sometimes, I’ve had opportunities to do the same in a game, as others have shown me, also. While there are no take-backs, I can choose to not make someone pay the full price for their bad move. This is especially true when you’re playing against less experienced players. There’s also a natural mentoring that flows through that, if your opponent is pliable.
We are going to a Rangers game later today. Terri has been in East Texas visiting my mom. How about y’all?
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Let me know how that works out, Chef Mel. It’s not a perfect analogy, but over the years, I’ve noticed similarities in how I play and how I live, make decisions, and even interact with others. I’m grateful my dad taught me how to play, although I never became the grandmaster I think he wanted me to be. Thanks for reading and sharing.
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Thanks Rainer, my 12 year-old just messed up her relationship with her best Fri and she knows we play chess at home, I’ll try to tie it together as life is like chess
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Good thoughts this morning, brother. Slow down to get around. Alan, our chess playing Scotsman calls it “sitting on your hands.” It’s hard to move even larger chess pieces with your toes.
Maybe mulligans should be allowed in chess, especially for beginners. “Oops, I made the wrong move. I’m using my one and only mulligan to take it back. Please and thank you.”
Thankfully, God often allows such redos. They aren’t “un-dos,” but close enough.
Great post, brother. I hope your weekend goes well. Any plans for the holiday? Blessings, my brother!
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We don’t see many chess devotionals on here, but this is a good one Rainer. A friend and mentor of mine from our old chess club used to say “sit on your hands until you are certain that you have the right move!”
God bless you and your Terri today brother 🙏
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