Chess, my brain and I (and pickles)

Irina Bulmaga is the 30th highest-rated woman player in the world. Last month, she bravely decided to play in the open section of the Romanian Championship, when only a final-round loss prevented her from reaching the podium. Here she tells us the story of her time in Sebes, focusing on her inner thoughts, presented as a candid dialogue with her own brain. She concludes: “Brain and I are thankful. GM or not, we have a purpose. Our life is about chess and making girls and women believe”. | Photo: Romanian Chess Federation