♟️ The Metagame #028: Mastering the Basics

Chess has been one of my favorite games since I was a kid.

When I was 8 years old, I took lessons with Women’s Grandmaster and World Chess Champion Susan Polgar, one of the most accomplished chess players in history.

And while I don't remember everything from these lessons 20 years ago, one thing stuck with me:

The importance of mastering the basics.

Here's what's in store for today:

• Why the basics matter

• A chess analogy

Read time: 3 minutes

Why the Basics Matter

Imagine trying to build a house, starting with the attic.

Obviously, that’s impossible.

Or imagine trying to learn advanced machine learning without understanding basic calculus.

In today’s world, you might get by for a while, but eventually, you’ll hit a wall.

The point is, no matter what you're trying to master—whether it's chess, coding, investing, or even communication—your success depends on the strength of your foundations.

Here's why:

Strategy comes from fundamentals.

The best chess players don't just memorize every possible move (this would be impossible). Yes, they have a lot of opening sequences memorized, but all of these sequences follow the same core principles, like controlling the center, developing major pieces, and keeping tempo.

That's what allows top chess players to navigate the game, no matter what their opponent throws at them.

Skipping the basics leads to plateaus.

In Krav Maga, there are plenty of flashy John Wick-y moves that look great for TV, but in reality, are not very practical. If you only practice these “cool” moves, you'll never progress because all the practical maneuvers require understanding the “why” behind them.

And you don't find the “why” without knowing the basics.

Mastery isn't complexity. Mastery is depth.

There's a famous quote stating you don't know something well enough if you can’t teach it to a kid. When you truly master something, you know every detail, every crevasse, every edge case—and you know it all well enough to simplify it.

Don't get caught up in the myth that the more complex something is, the better it is. In fact, Occam’s Razor states the simplest solution is often the best.

The Basics Are Found Everywhere

In chess, every world champion follows the same fundamental opening principles:

• Control the center

• Develop your pieces efficiently

• Protect your king

It doesn't matter if you're Magnus Carlsen or a beginner—these rules don't change.

The same goes beyond chess:

• The best coders don't just memorize syntax. They have a deep understanding of logic, problem-solving, and debugging.

• The best investors don't chase hype. They master risk assessment, diversification, and financial fundamentals.

• The best writers don't just use fancy words. They know how to structure ideas clearly and persuasively.

The fundamentals are universal.

Playing the Metagame

A common mistake we see is assuming once we learn the basics, we can move on and never look back.

But mastery really comes from constantly refining the fundamentals.

Kobe Bryant practiced basic footwork and jump shots for hours every single day.

Warren Buffett still reads financial reports like he did decades ago.

Top chess players still study beginner-level endgames, even after reaching the highest levels.

If you want to play the game the right way, you need to learn that the basics aren't just the starting point. They're the foundation for everything.

So, whatever you’re working on, whether it’s learning a new skill, improving your craft, or refining your strategy, ask yourself:

Am I truly mastering the basics? Or am I just trying to skip ahead?

Because in the end, the best way to play the long game is to start where it matters most: at the beginning.

Quote of the week

Thanks for reading!

If you have any questions, hit me up on LinkedIn or on 𝕏 at @sam_starkman, or feel free to reply to this email!

— Sam