I have lately been considering the level I have reached in chess.  The study and time it has taken to achieve the level I'm able to play has been a great investment of time, but of course nothing close to what a true master goes through.

I have discovered what I believe is a breakthrough in my quest for true chess mastery, and I would like to share it with whomever would like to enrich their lives with this game.

The amazing aspect of this game is the emotions it can elicit from its players.  In this I am a novice.  My mastery of my own emotions when playing chess is as a small child.  In all the games I've played I have yet to master the first lesson and therefore have not progress past this level.  I have yet to master my emotions while in battle.  This translates to life, which ultimatly chess can help us all with if we are willing to submit to the true lessons the game is trying to teach.

I believe that many of the greatest masters of the game, have not discovered this truth and have gone to their graves not knowing what true chess mastery is.  The game, instead, has mastered them.

Today I am going to start learning chess for the first time with a new purpose and a new goal.  To master my emotions while playing.  I will not let anger control my actions, and I will win and more importantly lose with dignity and grace.  I will encourage instead of suppress.  My wins and my losses will no longer define me, but rather remind me where I've been.

Congratulations. I remember when I was a young whipper-snapper, and the excitement of actually competing on the board was a cause for adrenaline and it clowded my thinking because I was always so nervous. My palms were sweaty and I fidgetted in my seat. Years went by and one magical day I seemed to be detached from the board: I knew it was me playing, but it wasn't a matter of life and death anymore. It was more a matter of what can I learn from this game? That is when I really started to become a true palyer, not one that knew how the pieces moved around, but why.

Nicely said, If not one thing, maybe it will help with your enjoyment of the game. 

Wow! Immo, pretty deep stuff, but well said.

I realised many years ago that I was never going to be anything other than an average player, and play all my chess simply for fun. I still dont like to lose, but have got well used to it!!

There are two types of people , radiators who give a warm feeling to those in contact with them, and drains who just take a negative view of everything.

I d not hesitate to call you a radiator, keep the posts coming and let us know how your learning curve goes!

Hey. immortal! I am wondering how you went about studying to get to where you are today.

What has been the single most important factor contributing to your growth?

I would say the study of chess history (the players, personalities, and stories) has most ignited my love for the game and has therefore been the most important factor in my growth.