Lou Gehrig – The Man Who Never Gave Up

For 2,130 consecutive games, Lou Gehrig showed up and played.

Rain or shine.
Pain or comfort.
Good days or bad days.
he played.

That record stood for over 50 years. Why? Because Lou Gehrig believed in responsibility and consistency. When his team needed him, he never said, “I’m tired.” He never said, “Maybe tomorrow.” He played.

Then life tested him in the hardest way.

At the peak of his career, Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with a terrible disease (now called ALS). His body was slowly failing him. He knew his playing days were over. The world expected sadness.

Instead, on his farewell day, standing in front of thousands of people, Lou Gehrig said these immortal words:

“Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

Think about that.
A man losing his career.
A man facing an incurable illness.
And yet, he chose gratitude over fear.

Message for a Chess Player

A chess tournament is also a test.

• You may lose a game
• You may make a mistake
• You may feel pressure

But champions are not defined by one result.
They are defined by showing up, fighting till the last move, and learning from every game.

Like Lou Gehrig:

• Play every game with discipline
• Never quit mentally
• Respect the board, your opponent, and yourself
• Win with humility, lose with courage

One Line to Remember

“Be the player who shows up, fights till the end, and walks away stronger—no matter the result.”

Lou Gehrig’s Story Chess Tournament Mindset Rules

Lou Gehrig played 2,130 games in a row.
Not because every day was perfect — but because he respected the fight.
A chess tournament demands the same mindset.

Rule 1: Show Up Fully (No Half-Effort Games)

Lou Gehrig never skipped a game mentally or physically.

At the board:

• Sit straight
• Focus from move 1
• Don’t think about results, ratings, or parents
• Play this position, this move

One careless game can be avoided by full presence.

Rule 2: Fight Even in Bad Positions

Lou Gehrig played through pain.
A chess player must play through bad positions.

At the board:

• Don’t resign early
• Look for counterplay
• Ask: “What is the best practical move now?”

Many points are won by players who refuse to give up.

Rule 3: Control Emotions, Not the Result

Lou Gehrig couldn’t control his illness.
But he controlled his attitude.

At the board:

• After a mistake, don’t panic
• After a win, don’t relax too much
• After a loss, don’t carry it to the next round

Your job is decision-making, not result-management.

Rule 4: Respect Every Opponent

Lou Gehrig respected the game, not his ego.

At the board:

• Strong opponent stay calm
• Weak opponent stay alert
• Never underestimate, never fear

Respect brings clarity. Ego brings blunders.

Rule 5: One Game Does Not Define You

Even Lou Gehrig’s greatness wasn’t about one match — it was about consistency.

At the board:

• Bad game? Learn and move on
• Good game? Reset and move on

Champions think in tournaments, not single games.

Rule 6: Gratitude Creates Strength

Lou Gehrig said:

“I am the luckiest man on earth.”

At the board:

• Be grateful you can compete
• Enjoy the struggle
• Love the game, not just the trophies

Players who enjoy the fight play better under pressure.

Final Tournament Mantra

“Play every game like Lou Gehrig showed up—focused, brave, and thankful for the fight. Results will follow.”