Are there other old beginners here?

Great, and occasionally inspirational, stories here. Glad I'm not alone. I don't plan to devote any time to openings for a while. If ever. For now it's just play, play, play.

You are never alone, i'm not too young either. We all like to play chess here  

Don't focus on named openings as a beginner, learn opening principles well. And study end games. Stuying endgames gives you ideas on shaping your middlegame. And Solve tactic puzzles mostly. Chess is mostly about pattern recognition. You need to see as many pattern as you can, puzzles are the best way.

And for the 'play, play, play' part; part your time into play, study and practice.. like in 1-2-3 ratio, respectively.

don't forget to have fun

I'm 42 and playing a year now. First only against bots because i am terrible.. now a lot of daily chess and reached 1500 there. But I am still bad at quicker games, even 15 minute games I blunder a lot...

78 Over the hill and picking up speed.

I'm not young, and I'm not good, so "yes".

71; newly retired; came back after 50+ years and thought I would exercise the gray matter. still haven't played against a non-computer and only remember the Ruy Lopez...

I’m 66 and have come back to the game. Used to play as a kid, specialising in Danvers Opening, Kentucky Opening, Queen’s Excursion, Patzer & Parham etc . Relying heavily on this solid grounding, I’m now more thoroughly proficient in the Botez Gambit than Botez herself.

The main problem with the Botez Gambit is that it's the Botez Gambit.

Cool! Never even heard of them. (Danver, Kentucky etc)

"Wisdom is with aged men,
And with [a]length of days, understanding." (Job 12 : 12)

I really like NM Jim Mclaughlin - he's, just fun.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVWaFpMwtaGhTfKVCFS1uksRjcshHeF7a

Me too.

I think he is joking.

A kind of american humor. )

I like Afganistan's mortal gambit with everybody run for your life and general retreat. (

It's really sad.

They "asserted" themselves.

LOL. I had to Google 'Botez Gambit' as I'd not heard of it before. However, it turns out I am a regular user of this move myself

 I am proud. Now I find out more serious reasons why I lose so often. )

I understand the wonderful thing. One can play Botez gambit from time to time... but his general  playing skills are very good... and he can beat you without problems.

35 here, started chess 10 years ago and have gone from 900 to 1900 in that time. Absolutely love the game.

You were not an old beginner my friend! 25 is not old

I guess it's relative Some reach mastery well before they turn 25