Tapiwa Gora: In My Own Words

My name is Tapiwa Allister Gora, I’m 28 years of age. I play for Belvedere Freepiece Club in the Harare Pro-Chess League. I have been playing chess for a decade and a half now. My first encounter with a chessboard was when I was around 9 years old. My brother and I were introduced to the game by a soldier who stayed with us. He unfortunately left after a few months before I had thoroughly mastered the game.

My notable chess achievements

When I started Form 1 at Churchill Boys High I was reintroduced to chess. I have never looked back since. I have gone on to win 3 gold medals and 2 silver medals at National Scholars events. My most notable success in open tournaments came years later when I won bronze at the 2019 Candidates Tournament and in 2021 I was 4th at both the Easter Open and Minerva Zim Open 2021.

I have represented Zimbabwe at both junior and senior levels. Apart from playing chess, I’m also involved as a volunteer administrator for the Zimbabwe Chess Federation and the World Chess Federation.

What I love about chess

Chess communities have given me a sense of belonging. I love that I get to meet and interact with diverse people whenever I attend a local or international tournament. I have also developed patience through the realisation that mastery takes time. This applies to anything you may want to pursue.

Apart from the challenges of sponsorship to attend key tournaments and access to systematic training from experienced strong trainers/players I love how we all are a family, connected through the sport we all love and cherish.

Tapiwa Gora’s tournament prep

Two weeks before any tournament I usually go through opening lines, paying particular attention to those that I rarely meet. I do tactical training and play some training games for psychological conditioning. I also prepare myself physically through jogging so that I will be mentally alert. I believe that as chess players we have been preparing since the day that we learnt to play chess.

Chess is better with inspiration and role models

My chess has been shaped by the masters of old Robert Fischer and Aaron Nimzovich. In modern times I’m a fan of Anish Giri who not only has a great personality but also has a solid style of play. Locally I admire Emarald Mushore’s tenacity and Roy Mwadzura’s tactical vision.

I would also like to give special mention to my father who was the first opponent I had to overcome a special mention. Not forgetting my two longtime coaches, Farirai Gumbe and Masimba Merekizadeck, who have inspired me to want to help the next generation.

If I could recommend a chess book I would say take time to read Hyper Modern Chess by Aaron Nimzovich