--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This is not checkers; this is…" description: "\"“This is not checkers; this is motherfuckin’ chess. Technology businesses tend to be extremely complex. The underlying technology moves, the competitio..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90c/ben-horowitz-1791_business_this-is-not-checkers-this-is-motherfucki_1634920.png" --- # This is not checkers; this is motherfuckin’ chess… ![“This is not checkers; this is motherfuckin’ chess. Technology businesses tend to be extremely complex. The underlying technology moves, the competition moves, the market moves, the people move. As a result, like playing three-dimensional chess on Star Trek, there is always a move. You think you…” quote by Ben Horowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90c/ben-horowitz-1791_business_this-is-not-checkers-this-is-motherfucki_1634920.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90c/ben-horowitz-1791_business_this-is-not-checkers-this-is-motherfucki_1634920.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90c/ben-horowitz-1791_business_this-is-not-checkers-this-is-motherfucki_1634920.png) > ““This is not checkers; this is motherfuckin’ chess. Technology businesses tend to be extremely complex. The underlying technology moves, the competition moves, the market moves, the people move. As a result, like playing three-dimensional chess on Star Trek, there is always a move. You think you have no moves?”” [Ben Horowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-horowitz/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Technology firms operate in constantly shifting, multi‑dimensional environments, requiring continual strategic moves. **In simple terms:** Tech business is complex and always changing. Key Takeaway Stay adaptable and anticipate multiple moves. Themes strategy complexity adaptability Mood critical energetic Type motivational strategic When to use this quote - product development - market entry - competitive analysis - organizational agility - innovation cycles Key Concepts multi‑dimensional competition dynamic markets strategic foresight Questions to Reflect On - What hidden dimensions affect your industry? - How can you improve strategic flexibility? A Different Perspective Ignoring complexity can lead to oversimplified decisions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Technology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/technology/) ## Related quotes > [A dance or steps workout is so enjoyable, as you have to think about the moves, so you haven't got time to think about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frankie-bridge/a-dance-or-steps-workout-is-so-enjoyable-as-you-have-to-think-about/) [Frankie Bridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frankie-bridge/) > [White lost because he failed to remember the right continuation and had to think up the moves himself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/siegbert-tarrasch/white-lost-because-he-failed-to-remember-the-right-continuation-and/) [Siegbert Tarrasch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/siegbert-tarrasch/) > [Technology moves so quickly; you can't get comfortable with the business you have today because technology will progress.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-gebbia/technology-moves-so-quickly-you-can-t-get-comfortable-with-the/) [Joe Gebbia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-gebbia/) > [The perfect example of Darwinism is what technology has done to businesses.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-munger/the-perfect-example-of-darwinism-is-what-technology-has-done-to/) [Charlie Munger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-munger/) > [There is a science to managing high tech businesses, and it needs to be respected. 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