I'm wondering if anyone has ever experienced a chess slump. I only recently started playing and have spent countless hours over the last 3 months reading and studying chess principles. My rating began to rise in concert with the time I was spending studying, but then I hit a "slump". I started to regress. Just wondering if this is common.

It seems everyone hits a plateau and even a dip...im my opinion...this happens right before a big increase...

However, GM Andy Soltis used to say that every chess player will reach their peak after 8 years of serious study.  I don't know if I agree.  I would take a day or two off and do something else.  Then, I'd come back.

I have just recently come out of a slump. Mental freshness is key for me, cuz playing dame prepared openings gets old. I like to learn new openings, practice my positioning game, or study games of the masters. Slumps are normal, no pain no gain. You are a very good player for the short time you say you have played.