Anyone else with problems maintaining chess interest?

Hey everybody,

This has been a question (and problem) I've had for years and thought the chess.com forum would be a perfect place to ask.

I have been playing since 1991 and have had periods ( even lasting a few years) where I would be all about the game, playing, studying, etc. and other times (again, even lasting years) where I had absolutely no interest at all, none, zero, zilch. I had even sold some chess books during this time, for example. During these 'off' periods, I would be interested in something else, notably guitar or music, among others. Inevitably, the cycle would swing back to chess and my other interests would fall by the wayside.

The problem is, it takes a good amount of effort to shake off the rust and get back to the level I was previously at (let alone improve) evertime I start back. This also applies when my interest goes back to playing guitar....lot of rust to shake off.

Does anyone else go through such periods of waxing and waning? I would love to figure out a way to keep a steady interest so that I don't have to go through the re-acclimation process and even build on this with improvement.

Thanks everyone!

I don't think you can force interest in something.

Perhaps just don't burn yourself out when you're in an addicted phase, have a small break every so often so it stays fresh.

Yeah, happens with me for almost everything. It's more prone to happen with things that cause frustration.

Chess is a very specialized skill that arguably doesn't cross over into other skill areas very much. It also requires a high level of patience and "micro" analytical skills. Sometimes I just don't feel like sitting for 1-4 hours to play a board game and think so much.

I've thought about this too...course i'm in the addicted phase, but my thoughts would be:  what are you doing when you lose interest, only PLAYING games?  Then perhaps buy a totally new book and read it and take a break from games - read and study only.  Been only studying and reading?  The take a complete break and PLAY only. 

Anyway, when I read a new and exciting book, it helps me gain more interest.  (I mean NEW to me...perhaps that Morphy or Tal or Capablanca or Alekhine's best games book, that you always thought you'd like to read.  

Anyway, reading helps me the most to stay interested. 

I've had this problem; intense playing and then nothing. Mainly I've had two issues. I believe I have always been addicted to playing chess, but not nearly good enough to allow chess to become a lifetime commitment. When I played, I would play over 100 games a day. When I stated working, I would hide my small chess set in my desk at work and play. Eventually the computer software came along and made this even easier.

When I walked away from chess, to have a family and keep a job, I would completely walk away from it.

Now I am getting close to retirement 10-15 years out. I have a lot of professional activities to keep me busy, but on the down side, I work 90-100 hour weeks for a much unappreciated employer. I am hoping that a little more chess at home will help me cut my hours at work. So far this hasn’t really happened, but it’s a great idea and goal.

I’ve joined chess.com hoping to prepare for retirement and to keep my mind sharp. I don’t expect to get back to the level I once was and that is not necessary nor my goal. But I at least want to start playing decent games again.

I have been getting to the puzzle of day almost every day. I’ve done some videos when time allows. I’ve play about three games vs. humans and more than a few against the computer.

Chess.com allows me to spend the time that I wish without committing too much time and that is what I like. I am hoping that chess.com allows me to build a better balance within my life, and this would be a good thing.

Scottrf's advice has worked for me. When ever I have found my interest waning, it seems to be during long periods of chess to the exclusion of almost everything else. I have to discipline myself to practice moderation and do other things. When I do this, I start enjoying all facets of the game (studying, playing, ...) again along with the other interests.

In short, mix things up and you might find yourself enjoying all your hobbies.

Agreed. Step back and just go with it.

Spend an hour playing chess, then an hour playing guitar every day. :)

This is difficult, and for good reason.  Ive noticed at some levels in chess that Ive reached, it becomes more difficult to improve,it is in these times that I lost interest. I can remember fighting to break past the 1500 mark (and stay there of course) and it was very hard to keep interest.  The main thing that has kept me interested during the times I am all about the game is people that are interested in it with me. If it is just me and a computer or games on the net, I once again lose interest, but if its a friend across the road that calls or wants to play a lot (Nick and yourself included), I have kept that interest longer. Maybe trying to find someone you can play with regularly that shares passion for the game. Not so much that you get burned out, but enough that you keep interest longer. Just a thought, not sure if that helps at all. Nick and I spoke a few days back and have planned on playing more together on ICC, but its a time thing.  Good luck old friend, keep pushing those pawns.

Andrew