Hi! I'm 16 and I've only just become aware of the subtelties of Chess. I have been reading through this forum and have been seeing that children around the ages of 10 become aware of things such as Castling and En Passant. Have I kind of passed the age where I'll become awesome at Chess, or is there still hope?!

Thanks!

Former World Champion Tigran Petrosian learned at the late age of 13

They said that about Skywalker.

It depends on what you mean by "awesome"

If you mean will i become a world champion?  Then probably no.  If you mean can i become a master?  Then yes as long as youre willing to put in the time and effort. 

If youre looking to become a competitive tournament chess player, then absolutely yes!

I don't understand the belief that it's impossible or even significantly more difficult to do something, like become awesome at chess, if you are starting a little late. At 16, the only things you're to old to do are crawl into small spaces and suffocate yourself with plastic bags.

Doesn't he have the same chances as anyone else?

Well you need to start beating me before you're a master, Tom ;)