I’m not sure how you go about building up the confidence of a talented three-year-old, but this doesn’t seem to be the most effective way to do it.
At such a young age, Mikhail Osipov is already being hailed as a chess prodigy, but as the world saw on this talent show video clip, the gap between being a prodigy and being the best is a substantial one.
Little Mikhail showcased his talents on a Russian TV show by facing off against Anatoly Karpov, who happens to be a grandmaster and the world champion. How this idea got the greenlight is beyond me, but it did and the results were...unsurprising.
It would be nice if the match went differently and the toddler beat Karpov. And prior to the match, you’d think some conscientious product would have felt out Karpov to see how he would treat the kid. That due diligence was either not conducted or ignored – the fact that a little kid was sitting across from him never seemed to register.
As for the match, Mikhail got ten minutes per move to Karpov’s ten and took the champ to a possible draw. But the youngster refused the draw and ended up succumbing to Karpov. Despite being just a kid, Mikhail doesn’t have a lot of experience losing, especially in high-pressure environments, so he takes it pretty hard.
But the story has a happy ending. He quickly composed himself when his mom came to his side and walked the audience through a handful of impressive puzzles to showcase his skills. I don’t know if getting rattled on national TV was a sound move her development as a player or a person, but this kid’s got a bright future in front of him and can hold his adorable head high.
As for Karpov, it looks like he can cross one more item off the fake bucket list a Redditor pieced together for the champ.
Comment from discussion 3 year old Mikhail Osipov plays against Karpov.
Let's hope that when Mikhail sits atop the chess rankings in 40 years he doesn't repay the favor to some doe-eyed youngster finding his way in the world.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.