How to Become Grandmaster?

The vast majority of IM's do not reach GM. Any tips to overcome the tough requirements?

Thanks!

I think the chances of finding a Grandmaster on the chess.com forums are few and far between...I have personally never seen it myself.

just play extremely good chess

Becoming a Grandmaster (GM) in chess is an extraordinary achievement that requires a combination of skill, dedication, and strategic planning. Here’s a structured approach to reaching the GM title:

1. Understand the Requirements

To become a Grandmaster, you need to fulfill these FIDE (International Chess Federation) requirements:

• Achieve a 2500+ FIDE rating at any point in your career.
• Earn three GM norms, which require exceptional performance in high-level tournaments that meet specific criteria (e.g., playing against other titled players, including GMs, in an international setting).

2. Build a Strong Foundation

• Master opening theory: Develop a deep understanding of opening principles and memorize key lines.
• Improve middlegame strategy: Study pawn structures, piece activity, and attacking/defensive techniques.
• Master endgames: Learn theoretical endgames (e.g., king and pawn vs. king, Lucena and Philidor positions) and practical endgame play.

3. Analyze and Learn from Strong Players

• Study classic games of world champions and top GMs.
• Use chess engines (like Stockfish, Lc0, or Komodo) to analyze your own games.
• Work with a coach or mentor who has at least an IM (International Master) or GM title.

4. Play and Compete Regularly

• Participate in FIDE-rated tournaments to gain rating points and compete against strong players.
• Seek GM-norm tournaments where you have a chance to meet GM norm requirements.
• Play online and over-the-board games, but prioritize serious tournament play for practical experience.

5. Develop Tactical and Strategic Thinking

• Solve complex chess puzzles daily.
• Practice blindfold chess to enhance board visualization.
• Work on calculation and deep thinking using real game positions.

6. Improve Mental and Physical Stamina

• Chess requires long hours of concentration—practice focus exercises.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: good sleep, nutrition, and exercise help with peak performance.
• Learn to handle stress and avoid tilt after losses.

7. Use Technology and AI to Your Advantage

• Train with chess engines to understand deeper concepts.
• Use databases like ChessBase to analyze openings and study opponents.
• Play and review games on Lichess, Chess.com, or FIDE Online Arena.

8. Seek Sponsorships and Support

• Network with chess federations and clubs to get financial and training support.
• Find backers or sponsors who can help fund international tournament travel.

9. Stay Committed for the Long Run

• Becoming a GM can take years of dedicated work.
• Stay persistent even after setbacks.
• Keep refining your skills and learning from every game.

Would you like help with a structured training plan?

How to get 1550

Getting a 1550 FIDE rating is a solid goal and requires consistent improvement in all aspects of your chess game. Here's a structured plan to help you achieve it:

1. Play FIDE-Rated Games

Since FIDE ratings only increase through official tournaments, you need to:
✅ Participate in FIDE-rated events regularly.
✅ Play against higher-rated opponents when possible.
✅ Avoid excessive draws and play for wins when you have an advantage.

2. Improve Opening Play (10-20 moves)

✅ Stick to simple, solid openings that lead to good positions rather than memorizing deep theory.
✅ Learn basic opening principles (control the center, develop pieces, castle early).
✅ Avoid traps and early blunders.

Good openings for 1500 level:🔹 For White: London System, Italian Game, Queen’s Gambit.
🔹 For Black: Caro-Kann (vs. 1.e4), Slav Defense (vs. 1.d4), Scandinavian (for aggressive play).

3. Develop Middlegame Understanding

✅ Tactics first! Solve 5-10 puzzles daily on Chess.com/Lichess.
✅ Learn key middlegame concepts (pawn structures, weak squares, piece activity).
✅ Study classic GM games to understand plans.

Recommended books:📖 "Logical Chess: Move by Move" - Chernev
📖 "Simple Chess" - Michael Stean
📖 "Winning Chess Strategies" - Seirawan

4. Master Endgames

✅ Learn basic theoretical endgames (king & pawn vs. king, Lucena & Philidor, opposition).
✅ Practice converting won positions and defending lost positions.

Drills:

• Play endgame positions against Stockfish or online trainers.
• Study "100 Endgames You Must Know" by de la Villa.

5. Analyze Your Games

✅ Review your own games without a computer first.
✅ Identify blunders and mistakes, then check with an engine.
✅ Write down key lessons from every game.

6. Increase Playing Strength

✅ Play longer time controls (90+30 classical or 45+15 rapid) to improve calculation.
✅ Avoid bullet and excessive blitz, unless for tactical sharpness.
✅ Play serious games on Lichess/Chess.com against 1600+ opponents.

7. Improve Psychological and Practical Play

✅ Stay calm and avoid emotional tilt after losses.
✅ Manage time well—don’t move too fast or too slow.
✅ Practice calculation and candidate moves before making decisions.

8. Join a Chess Community

✅ Find a local or online chess club to get coaching and practice.
✅ Consider hiring a chess coach if you plateau.
✅ Watch strong players on YouTube/Twitch for new ideas.

Estimated Timeline to Reach 1550 FIDE

📌 If you're unrated → It may take 1-2 years of structured improvement.
📌 If you're 1200-1400 FIDE → You could reach 1550 in 6-12 months with regular training and tournaments.

Final Tip: Focus on Consistency

Improving in chess isn’t about quick tricks—it’s about playing, analyzing, and learning every day.

Would you like a personalized training schedule based on your strengths and weaknesses? 😊♟️

How do I become General

Becoming a military general is a long and challenging journey that requires dedication, leadership skills, and years of service. Here’s a step-by-step guide to reaching the rank of general in most military forces:

1. Meet Basic Requirements

✅ Be a citizen of the country whose military you want to join.
✅ Meet age and fitness requirements (varies by country).
✅ Have a strong educational background (at least a high school diploma; a college degree is highly recommended).

2. Get a Strong Education

🎓 Earn a bachelor’s degree (strongly recommended). Most generals have degrees in:

• Military Science
• Political Science
• Engineering
• International Relations
• History

📌 Some military officers also earn master’s degrees in strategic studies or national security.

3. Join the Military as an Officer

To become a general, you must first become an officer. There are three common paths to becoming an officer:

1️⃣ Military Academy (Best Path)

• Apply to a prestigious military academy (e.g., West Point, Sandhurst, NDA, Saint-Cyr, etc.).
• Train in leadership, tactics, and military strategy.
• Graduate as a commissioned officer (usually Second Lieutenant).

2️⃣ Officer Training School (OTS) / Officer Candidate School (OCS)

• If you already have a college degree, you can attend an officer training program.
• Programs like OCS (USA), RMC (Canada), AIB (UK) provide fast-track leadership training.

3️⃣ ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) (U.S. and some other countries)

• Attend a civilian university while training as an officer through ROTC.
• Commission as an officer after graduation.

4. Gain Leadership Experience and Promotions

After becoming an officer, you must prove your leadership skills and climb the ranks.

✅ Excel in command positions: Lead platoons, companies, and battalions successfully.
✅ Take advanced military courses: War College, Staff College, Joint Command courses.
✅ Build a strong reputation: Show discipline, decision-making skills, and strategic thinking.

Military Officer Ranks (U.S. Army Example)

📌 Lieutenant (O-1 to O-2) → 1-4 years
📌 Captain (O-3) → 4-10 years
📌 Major (O-4) → 10-15 years
📌 Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) → 15-20 years
📌 Colonel (O-6) → 20-25 years
📌 Brigadier General (O-7, First Star!) → 25+ years

🌟 Promotion to General (O-8 to O-10) requires:
✅ Years of exceptional service✅ Strong combat or command experience✅ Political and strategic networking✅ Approval by the President (or equivalent authority) and military boards

5. Specialize and Gain Strategic Experience

To stand out, many future generals:
✅ Command in war zones or high-risk missions.
✅ Work in Pentagon-level positions (or equivalents in other countries).
✅ Learn advanced military strategy and diplomacy.

6. Earn Recognition and Build Influence

• Write military research papers or doctrine.
• Develop new strategies or technologies.
• Serve in NATO, UN, or international military roles.

7. Get Nominated for General Rank

Once you reach Colonel or Brigadier General, promotions are based on:
✅ Merit and achievements✅ Military board selection✅ Political and strategic needs of the country

The highest-ranking generals (e.g., 4-star General, General of the Army) are usually appointed directly by the President/Prime Minister/Defense Minister.

Estimated Timeline to Become a General

📌 Entry as an officer → Age 22-25
📌 Major (mid-career officer) → Age 35-40
📌 Colonel (senior officer) → Age 45-50
📌 Brigadier General (first general rank) → Age 50+
📌 Full General (4-star rank) → Age 55-60+

Final Tips

✅ Stay disciplined and physically fit✅ Be an exceptional leader and decision-maker✅ Build strong military and political connections✅ Keep learning military strategy, geopolitics, and technology

Would you like advice on military academy applications or leadership development? 🚀

Trying to find a way to become a GM is just foolish in my opinion. It is like if you are just starting out in baseball. Before you even finish your first game you are wondering," how do I become the next all time Home Run champ.

for gods' sake 😆

Yeah sure, ask us, the plebs

https://www.chess.com/play/tournament/5463343

What in the ChatGPT