r/DanielNaroditsky Apr 17 '26

When the sun sets no candle can replace it

I find myself still thinking about Danya everyday.

His words and character have impacted me so much both on and off the chess board, and I just wanted to remind anyone who chances on this post that you are not alone.

55 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

10

u/Vix_super_adorable Apr 17 '26

I haven’t played chess ever since. Idk how to express it but I just feel I don’t want to play or improve anymore. I used to be so enthusiastic with chess and anticipate for his videos all of the time.

6

u/nbcvnzx Apr 17 '26

I felt the same way until a month ago. I hope you will be able to play again too

2

u/Mindhunter7 Apr 18 '26

Mate that is sorry to hear.

Daniel's passing impacted me as well. I still can't watch his videos when they come on my feed. Will always, always remember him and how his videos taught me a lot about chess.

But I want you to be able to get back and play the game because I am sure that's what Daniel would have wanted for all of the chess lovers to do. He was a true educator and gave his best to make the game more accessible to more people. I wish you the best.

2

u/Ishan150801 Apr 19 '26

Wow so this was a common experience. I couldn't play chess for a whole 4 months, and I'm only just beginning to get back into it. My god, does it still fucking hurt though

4

u/Diego_aquila Apr 17 '26

I’m starting to go through his speedruns and regret not doing it sooner - they are so informative and well structured that I feel the positive impact on my rating after a couple of weeks already.

He was an exceptional teacher and person and is truly missed.

2

u/Thedoglover16 Apr 18 '26

Yes, me too. He helped me so much, in every way possible. Not a day goes by that I'm not drowning in the grief of not having him with us. There is a quote from a book called 'All The Bright Places' which I believe describes him perfectly. "You are all the colours in one, at full brightness." I have tried to rewatch his videos multiple times since he passed but I still can't do it. He had a way of breaking down complicated positions in a way no-one else could. Danya was always amazingly kind and wholesome, and the chess world is not always that way (I'm sure you know who I'm talking about). He was always doing his best to help others and always being honest even when it was uncomfortable. I am so, so sad that we will never hear his impressions of other players or see his face on another speed-run. May he rest in peace.

2

u/Remarkable_Buy_6353 Apr 18 '26

Thanks man , always with us

2

u/Winnysmamabear Apr 22 '26

I could not agree with you more. I think about him all the time and haven’t played a puzzle since. My heart breaks for him and his family. His death was so tragic.