Timur Yusufov

Checkmate in Business: How Chess Has Sharpened My Strategy for Success

When I first picked up a chessboard as a teenager, I never imagined the game would become such a central part of my life—or my approach to business. At the time, chess was just a fun hobby, a way to pass time and challenge myself intellectually. But as the years went on, I began to realize that the lessons I was learning across the 64 squares were seeping into how I approached everything else, especially my work as an entrepreneur in real estate and healthcare.

Chess taught me the value of patience, foresight, and adaptability. It’s no coincidence that these same principles form the foundation of my business philosophy. If you’re willing to look closely, you’ll see that the moves you make in chess reflect the same critical thinking and strategic decision-making you need to succeed in any industry.

The Opening Moves: Laying the Groundwork for Success

In chess, the opening moves are all about establishing control of the board. You focus on positioning your pieces, protecting your king, and setting the stage for the middle game. The same principle applies to starting any business or new venture.

When I launched my career in commercial real estate over 20 years ago, I didn’t rush into big, risky projects. Instead, I focused on building a strong foundation—learning the market, understanding the needs of my tenants, and creating sustainable, well-managed properties. These “opening moves” set me up for long-term success, much like controlling the center of the chessboard gives you leverage later in the game.

Similarly, when I expanded into the healthcare industry, I didn’t dive headfirst into unfamiliar territory. I took the time to understand the landscape, whether it was running Advanced Medical Adult Day Care or overseeing operations at Health Rite & Medical Supply. By starting with small, calculated steps, I was able to position myself and my businesses for growth.

Thinking Several Moves Ahead

One of the most important skills chess teaches is the ability to think ahead. You can’t just focus on your next move—you need to anticipate your opponent’s responses, consider alternative outcomes, and plan several moves in advance.

In business, this kind of forward thinking is crucial. Whether I’m negotiating a lease for a commercial property or launching a new healthcare service, I’m always considering the ripple effects of my decisions. For example, when we expanded our offerings at Vital Care Pharmacy, we didn’t just think about immediate profitability. We thought about how the expansion would impact customer satisfaction, community trust, and long-term growth opportunities.

This ability to think ahead has also helped me navigate challenges. Just as you need to anticipate your opponent’s counterattacks in chess, you need to prepare for obstacles and competition in business. The COVID-19 pandemic was a perfect example. Many industries faced unprecedented challenges, but those who could adapt and anticipate future needs—such as the rising demand for home healthcare and reliable medical supplies—found ways to not only survive but thrive.

The Middle Game: Adapting and Innovating

Once the opening phase of a chess game is over, things get more complicated. Pieces are in motion, threats are emerging, and opportunities need to be seized. The same is true in business. After you’ve laid the groundwork, you need to stay flexible and ready to adapt as new challenges and opportunities arise.

For me, this phase of the game is where creativity comes into play. Running a successful business isn’t just about following a formula; it’s about finding innovative solutions to complex problems. When I co-founded Rugenix, a nutritional supplements company, I saw an opportunity to address a growing demand for health and wellness products. But launching a new product in a competitive market required more than just a good idea—it required careful planning, strategic partnerships, and the ability to adapt to consumer feedback.

In chess, it’s not uncommon to sacrifice a piece to gain a better position later in the game. The same principle applies in business. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions in the short term—whether it’s cutting costs, restructuring, or redirecting resources—in order to achieve your long-term goals.

The Endgame: Closing the Deal

The endgame in chess is all about precision. By this point, you’ve done most of the hard work, but one careless move can still cost you the match. In business, closing a deal or completing a project requires the same level of focus and attention to detail.

For instance, when we acquired new properties or expanded our healthcare services, I made sure to see every project through to the very end. This meant ensuring that every detail—from compliance and quality control to customer experience—was handled with care. Just like in chess, a successful endgame often comes down to discipline and persistence.

Lessons Beyond the Board

Chess has taught me more than just business strategy. It’s also taught me about the value of patience and humility. No matter how skilled you are, there will always be moments when you miscalculate or face an unexpected setback. The key is to learn from those mistakes, adjust your strategy, and keep moving forward.

I’ve also come to appreciate the importance of balance. While chess and business are both intellectually demanding, they’re not the only things that define me. Spending time with my children, playing tennis, or watching a soccer match reminds me that life is more than just winning the next “game.”

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from chess, it’s that success isn’t about making flashy moves or chasing quick wins. It’s about strategy, discipline, and the willingness to think long-term. Whether I’m sitting across a chessboard or leading a business venture, I approach every challenge with the same mindset: one thoughtful move at a time.

So, if you ever find yourself stuck in a complex situation—whether in business, relationships, or personal growth—consider what a chess player might do. Take a step back, study the board, and think a few moves ahead. You might be surprised by what you can achieve.

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