That seems like a reasonable goal for any serious chess player, granted they work hard to achieve that goal. This rating gives the unofficial (and yet, incredibly awesome) title of National Master. Well, certainly for the USCF - I've read this gives CM within the premises of FIDE...

In any case, to the important stuff:

A bit of context: I've calculated that on "good days", I could probably play at 1800-1900 USCF (or FIDE) strength. On any given day, I might play at around 1800. On bad days, probably 800-900. ;D

So, does anybody have suggestions for the most effective / efficient ways of reaching this goal? Consider that many people do not have an incredible amount of time to spare due to various life circumstances; nevertheless, improvement is achievable.

Comments by actual NM's and above would certainly be appreciated and most trustworthy because they already took the long, arduous, painful, torturous road to their titles! =D

Thanks!

oh im tracking  this topic!

Probably a good call! ;D

That is - if anybody actually responds with useful information! =D

Well I'm not one myself but I've talked to a bunch about this very thing :P. 

... Basically... get good at chess :P.. There are no shortcuts.  Some people are going to require more time than others to make it.

Whether everyone has the potential to make it or not is another story (my vote is anyone willing to play chess is able to make it).

Not looking for shortcuts here! ;D

Simply the most time efficient of reaching such a level. ih8sens, maybe we could play each other just to see how far along I've come, since I certainly do not have any official rating! Well, in Live Chess (standard). ;D I would suffer an excellent loss! =D

saidh - I've actually never studied or memorized openings or anything else for that matter. I rarely look into chess books. =/ However, I'll certainly start to use them if it's the most efficient method.

Well, first off the title isn't unofficial, it's official.  And as for it being "incredibly awesome"...well, I doubt that Kasparov or Karpov would be any too terribly impressed, but I'll take it anyway. :)

Not sure how you'd go about calculating how well you play on "good days"...except to play in tourneys and get the commensurate rating.  Anyway, all I can tell you is what I did:  study (a lot) and play (quite a bit, but probably not enough).  I made master after 293 USCF games (and 9 years).  Of course, the playing opportunities are much greater now (but that's also true for your opponents, so I suppose it about evens out).  I doubt very much that I did it anywhere near as efficiently as possible, but anyway, that's how I got there.

I apologize for calling it unofficial... I've read in several places that it isn't really officialy recognized. GOD DAMN SOURCELESS COMMENTS!!! I shall never trust them again.

I may not even trust you, tonydal, as you haven't properly cited yourself as a source. ;D

I don't trust myself as a source either. :)

Just to clarify, wouldn't a FIDE CM have a rating between 2000 and 2199?  I would think that a FIDE master would be 2200+, and then of course comes IM and GM.  For USCF ratings, 2000-2199 = expert and 2200-2399 = national master and 2400+ = senior master.

Or do I misunderstand how the FIDE ratings work?

FIDE CM is above 2200, FM requires 2300, IM 2400, GM 2500

I thought 2400 was GM

if i can beat you then you will not make master...

just kidding.

No, 2500.

To qualify for GM u have to have a 2500+ rating for a certain number of games i believe or time period and achieve 3 GM norms of 2600+ to get it. Once u become a GM u can never lose that title even if u drop below 2500.

It is i believe the only title that cannot be lost. If I'm wrong i will be gladly corrected.

you cant lose IM or FM either mate...

Ok it's just that i remember reading a book and it said something about only GM title would stay. Good to know even IM and FM titles stay too. :)

Play the same systems over and over again, learn from your mistakes. Finaly after some 1000 games, you should be able to play at 2200 strength in your system.

Try to make the position as boring as possible, be really happy for evry draw you get. Most players will fall asleep while facing you, and your rating will climb hig!

Um, I'm assuming that was a joke?

Not all of it, if you play the same type of positions over and over again, you should be good some day, and boring. But you'll be good!

I'm at 2198 FIDE, not much away from CM, so I think I can comment.

You need to practice very much, all parts of the game. Learn many openings. DUring the game don't get stressed and don't fall into time-trouble.