Recently I lost an OTB game to someone who I have seen beginners beat, and I have also lost way more online games than before. I have been playing a lot less online chess over the last 6 months. I don't want to sound negative but is it possible that at my level (1300 OTB rating) I have gotten out of practice or even lost skills? I try to think ahead at what my opponent will do and then my next moves before I make a move.

I do not use tactics trainer because it is too hardcore for me (one mistake and you have failed forever).

EDIT: Do not hijack, spam, or post random pictures on this thread!

Hmmm crepes. Those look delicious ivandh!

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This is your problem; you're a wuss.

This is not what I expected when I created the thread. You spammers have earned a block.

Treating this seriously, and not waffling, yes it is, I did not play for 35 years, then started on here, I still remember the openings, and some end game technique, but my middle game has gone, I can make silly mistakes because that "sight of the board" has gone, I am hoping it comes back.

I mean it, you need to man up.  Steel yourself, you'll go far.

I don't understand the one mistake and you've failed forever comment. You can replay the tactic or move to the next. Tactics trainer is probably the best tool to improve quickly

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 If even Fez doesn't understand your question, your thread is going down!

The question was perfectly clear. I am questioning deleting the thread because of this endless trolling.

Calling all people from the RSS. As I am not at a browser that would allow posting pics on chess.com(bit of an oldfashioned Opera) I call on all of you to check out all the food pic galleries. Please post the pictures, as they have huge relevance to the thread. P.S. You asked for it dude.

Yes, it's possible to lose skills.

In answer to the OP, yes, it is possible to lose skills in chess after a period of inactivity and infrequent play. It will take a few weeks of intensive practice to get back to shape. You need to solve tactical problems, even the tactics trainer (and do not worry about the rating).

Hey, just saw the latest. Is it even possible to delete a thread without just closing your account ? And the question is in that case is obviously completely banal(quoting Fezzik, the kind-hearted giant) Fezzik, care to explain?

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 But he's a teenager, and the skill loss is only due to inactivity, not age.

I am still playing, just not as much. I do make moves here every day, usually I have 3 games active at once on this site.