Windhoek: For Judit Polgar, one of the greatest female chess players in history, the game has always been about making decisions and taking responsibility for them. Across more than two decades at the highest level, the Hungarian grandmaster studied opponents, prepared with computers, and faced some of the strongest players of her generation. But once she sat down at the board, nobody else could make the move for her.According to Namibia Press Agency, Polgar emphasized the importance of personal accountability in chess during a press conference for the 12th Judit Polgar Global Chess Festival in Budapest. 'In chess, you are responsible for every move,' she stated. Polgar's journey in chess began early, becoming a grandmaster at 15 and breaking Bobby Fischer's record as the youngest titleholder. Her career, marked by victories over leading male players, demonstrated her commitment to open competition.Polgar highlighted that elite chess requires more than just calculation; understanding both one's own strate gy and anticipating the opponent's reactions is crucial. Mistakes in chess, she noted, cannot be undone, but they offer valuable lessons.Her experience also shaped her approach to technology. As a player during the rise of computer analysis, Polgar utilized engines for preparation but learned not to rely on them completely. 'There was a period when I trusted it, and then I trusted it too much,' she admitted, emphasizing the importance of human judgment over blind trust in technology.This theme was echoed at the press conference, where a magician used a card trick to introduce a discussion on artificial intelligence. Polgar likened magic to AI, suggesting that while both can be convincing, they require scrutiny and understanding.Since retiring in 2014, Polgar has focused on education and promoting chess to youth, advocating for its benefits in developing critical skills like concentration and problem-solving. The upcoming chess festival will explore "critical thinking in the age of artificial intelligenc e," aligning with Polgar's belief that responsibility in decision-making is key, whether in chess or life.Polgar concluded by reiterating the lesson from her competitive days: while technology offers many insights, the ultimate responsibility for decisions remains with the individual. 'Technology may offer more answers than ever before, but you still have to make your own moves,' she asserted.