Failure is just your success in disguise, so never, ever get deterred by it. For a number of people, it is the starting point for something truly innovative, path breaking and significant. I have always considered failure important, because it enables me to savor my successes. It makes my achievements even sweeter and the sweat and toil completely worthwhile.

Instead of getting discouraged, use failure as a learning exercise. Something that indicates the errors you are prone to committing and the mistakes you typically make. I do that.

The times I have lost a game, or been dissatisfied with my performance, I try not to be morose about it, but instead look at it as an important episode in my learning curve. Failure for me is an opportunity to dissect my game, study the moves of my competitor, and pin point the areas which are still soft spots and need additional effort.

When I read newspaper reports that talk about how a class XII student killed himself because he failed his science paper, it shocks and saddens me. What a terrible waste of a precious life. How awful to accept defeat without even putting up a semblance of a resistance.

After playing Chess for as long as I can remember, I have developed great respect for combat, especially when it is positioned against the backdrop of previous failure. Chess is all about battling till the bitter end, of creating masterful strategies and winning plans, executing them successfully and converting failure into success. The sheer effort to get up again after being down, the sense of recharging, the rush of adrenalin and the huge thrill that follows the hard won victory, need to be experienced to be believed.

Failure is the ideal time to channel your negative energies into a new passion. In 2001 when I was going through a bad patch, I decided to try something totally new. I started to learn German. This was a new experience for me.

It took away my negative thoughts. Instead of mulling over your failure it gives you a chance to challenge yourself in a new area. The feeling of accomplishment weeds out depression. In a month, I realized the "nightmare "tournament was long over and it was time to start again. Similarly I have a new hobby now, Astronomy. I advise all those who have or are experiencing this failure, to give themselves another chance-another chance at combat.

It is also important not to judge yourself too critically. You should objectively analyse your strong points and refrain from over emphasizing your weaknesses.

You can begin by telling yourself that all's not lost, and that you can try again and succeed. If it makes you feel better, share your disappointment and worries with a friend, your family or anyone who is close to you. You could even reach out for one of those countless Help Lines created by reputed NGOs, to drive away the blues with valuable and reassuring words of encouragement.

My family has been a source of encouragement and inspiration. My wife, Aruna travels with me to tournaments. When I feel nervous or just feel low it is nice to share these thoughts with someone.

In my childhood, my mother used to travel with me. Sometimes when I lost a game, we used to sit and play a game like scrabble. This helps heal your feelings of hurt and anger. Find yourself such sounding board and advisers. Don't be ashamed to take the counsel of elders or professionals. Take time off. My all time favourite movie that I use as a mood lifter is Terminator.

When I lose a game or need to fight, I say to myself " I may be down but not out!" Remember even the biggest failure heals with the passage of time.

As in Chess, so in life. One false move does not mean the end of the game. So don't give up without a fight!