Listening music while playing chess? • page 1/3 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

Is it good to listen to music while playing games or doing puzzles? Sometimes I think music helps me concentrate if there's a lot of noise around. But then during OTB games, I can't listen to music, so it might not be a good habit.

SKLAMLSDKN

#2

is cheating ? the instructions: shake it off (the knight) ? good habit is to do push up after every third loss

Healey120120

#3

I have music on much of the time during the day. During the games I don't even notice it.

GM ILikeBlitz

#4

"Don't give up" sounds like a good song to listen to while playing.
(Spoiler alert: Playing totally hopeless positions until the mate is mostly not a great idea.)

"Don't give up" sounds like a good song to listen to while playing. (Spoiler alert: Playing totally hopeless positions until the mate is mostly not a great idea.)

GM ILikeBlitz

#5

@NilSeWon said in #1:

Is it good to listen to music while playing games or doing puzzles? Sometimes I think music helps me concentrate if there's a lot of noise around. But then during OTB games, I can't listen to music, so it might not be a good habit.
I played some OTB tournament games when loud concerts were taking place in the nearby. It's rare, but it happens. One can save on the tickets in such cases.

@NilSeWon said in #1: > Is it good to listen to music while playing games or doing puzzles? Sometimes I think music helps me concentrate if there's a lot of noise around. But then during OTB games, I can't listen to music, so it might not be a good habit. I played some OTB tournament games when loud concerts were taking place in the nearby. It's rare, but it happens. One can save on the tickets in such cases.

HerkyHawkeye

#6

I cannot listen to music and concentrate on anything else, other than the music itself. I’m an old boomer musician.

forsoothplays

#7

I listen to music during online chess and my concentration during OTB isn't adversely affected.

I find it unlikely that the brain becomes dependent on music to concentrate unless the music is over-stimulating. And anyway the experience of online and OTB chess are distinct enough that the brain can compartmentalize its experiences between the two. If anything, it's more difficult to translate skills acquired online to a physical chessboard IME. I would say listen away.

I listen to music during online chess and my concentration during OTB isn't adversely affected. I find it unlikely that the brain becomes dependent on music to concentrate unless the music is over-stimulating. And anyway the experience of online and OTB chess are distinct enough that the brain can compartmentalize its experiences between the two. If anything, it's more difficult to translate skills acquired online to a physical chessboard IME. I would say listen away.

Shadow1414 edited

#8

Taking advantage of music when online while not allowed offline is debatably dubious. On the other hand, it can be used as a way to perfect the strategy of noticing and taking advantage of every possible aspect of one’s environment. Offline Chess doesn’t have premoves, yet using them online is an advantage, as an example.

BaronVonChickenpants

#9

I find I can play chess while listening to music only if the music has no lyrics. Lo-fi instrumental stuff is great. As soon as its a 'proper' song I listen to the lyrics too much and lose concentration on the game

ErzyaKS

#10

Yes, listening to music can enhance your chess performance but if you choose the right kind. Classical music, particularly works by Mozart, Vivaldi, and Beethoven, has been shown to improve concentration, reduce stress, and even stimulate cognitive function. The so-called "Mozart Effect" suggests that certain compositions can enhance spatial-temporal reasoning, which is crucial for strategic thinking in chess.
I recommend baroque music (Bach, Handel) for its mathematical precision—perfect for calculating variations. Alternatively, lo-fi beats with no lyrics can also work well for a relaxed yet focused mindset.
The key is avoiding lyrics or erratic rhythms that disrupt your thought process. Experiment to find what sharpens your game.

Yes, listening to music can enhance your chess performance but if you choose the right kind. Classical music, particularly works by Mozart, Vivaldi, and Beethoven, has been shown to improve concentration, reduce stress, and even stimulate cognitive function. The so-called "Mozart Effect" suggests that certain compositions can enhance spatial-temporal reasoning, which is crucial for strategic thinking in chess. I recommend baroque music (Bach, Handel) for its mathematical precision—perfect for calculating variations. Alternatively, lo-fi beats with no lyrics can also work well for a relaxed yet focused mindset. The key is avoiding lyrics or erratic rhythms that disrupt your thought process. Experiment to find what sharpens your game.