Embracing Mindfulness in Chess: Nate Shuman’s Journey with Mindmates

Mindmates: A New Approach to Mental Health in Chess

By Rick Massimo and John Hartmann

In the June 2026 issue of Chess Life, the spotlight shines on mental health in the chess community, featuring an inspiring initiative by former youth champion Nate Shuman. As a young player, Shuman experienced the pressures of competition firsthand, but he transformed his struggles into a mission to help others navigate the mental challenges of the game.

Shuman’s journey began at the Dalton School in New York, where he quickly ascended the ranks of scholastic chess. By age 8, he was nearly a master, but by 13, he found himself grappling with performance anxiety and a waning love for the game. “The stress of competition began to overshadow my enjoyment,” he recalls.

A turning point came when Shuman sought help from a sports psychologist. Immersed in techniques like mindfulness meditation and biofeedback, he rediscovered his passion for chess. “I learned to enjoy the game again,” he says, emphasizing the importance of joy over pressure.

Now a sophomore at Harvard, Shuman has founded Mindmates, an organization dedicated to teaching young players the psychological tools that helped him. “I saw a gap in mental health resources for youth in chess,” he explains. “I wanted to share what worked for me.”

Mindmates focuses on mindfulness techniques that can alleviate anxiety and enhance performance. Shuman is developing a scorebook filled with exercises for players to use before, during, and after games. He emphasizes the importance of separating the act of playing from the fear of losing, a mindset he often sees in young players.

“Many kids worry about disappointing their parents or coaches,” he notes. “This distracts them from focusing on the game itself.”

Shuman’s scorebook includes practical exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing, which encourages players to breathe deeply and calm their minds. He also advocates for establishing a pre-game routine to normalize the stress of competition. “The moments leading up to a game can be the most nerve-wracking,” he says. “Having a routine helps prepare both the body and mind.”

In collaboration with professor Andrew Newburg, Shuman has researched the effects of mindfulness on decision-making in chess. Their findings suggest that mindfulness can quiet the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, allowing players to make clearer decisions under pressure.

While acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining a positive mindset, Shuman encourages players to practice visualization techniques. “It’s essential to envision both success and failure,” he explains. “But when it’s game time, quieting those negative thoughts is crucial.”

Ultimately, Shuman’s message is one of self-acceptance. He encourages players to repeat affirmations like, “No matter what happens, I love and approve of myself completely.” This mindset fosters resilience, enabling players to navigate the highs and lows of chess with grace.

As the chess community continues to grapple with mental health issues, initiatives like Mindmates offer a beacon of hope. By equipping young players with the tools to manage stress and maintain their love for the game, Shuman is paving the way for a healthier, more supportive chess culture.

Stay tuned for the final installment of this series on Thursday, and consider becoming a US Chess member for more insightful content like this.