I am quitting chess.

I am 17 years old. I started playing chess with my dad. I started playing a little more seriously when I was 13. I played in a few tournaments through these years, and studied chess with the use of the internet almost exclusively. I didn't really use chess books except maybe a couple. I played corrospondance chess, standard and blitz chess, played at the local clubs, and always analyzed my games. I have also started a chess team and club. One of the most fun things I have done is to teach chess at a home-school co-op. I was able to make a little money while I was at it. I achieved a USCF of 1675, which isn't really that great, but I know I can play better than that and have beaten a player a little under 2000. I could probably get a much higher USCF if I just played in more tournaments, because in the last 3 years I have played in them not often enough. I have learned so much from chess about life. How to think, when to give up or not give up, how to be thoughtful, careful, and take my time, but also when to move fast... etc. etc. you know all the things you learn I could go on forever.

However, life isn't all about chess. I can be, and it is for the top players, but at 17 and 1675 USCF it is highly unlikely that I will ever reach any sort of high rating, much less the top 50 players. But what can we get out of chess?

-We learn about life from chess

-We can make money by teaching others

-We can be Magnus Carlsen and win a million dollars by crushing Anand

As we know only the top players (like Carlsen) actually can make a living off of chess, and like I said I won't make money off of them. As for teaching, I will continue to teach and make money for as long as I have willing students, but I won't spend time looking for students once I hit college. Finnally for learning myself. I feel like the theory of diminishing returns applies here. If you don't know what that means look it up and you will understand.

There is one final note. Chess is a great hobby. One of my favorite of all time. However, I think I would like to explore other hobbys during my life time. I LOVE board games in general, and have played Risk more than it should be played and have started with Axis and Allies (I "played out" 1941 and am working on 1942. 40 is next). I love other board games as well and I hope to one day become a board game designer.

My situation is exaclty the situation that the USCF does not like. However, I feel that in my situation my decision is practical. The USCF should realize that chess is great for kids, not so much for adults (except those who like it as a hobby).

This is real life. Wake up. (but of course don't follow in my footsteps- keep up the good games ;) )

So actually, you're not quitting chess.

Well if you're 17 and only have a 2000 rating here then you obviously suck and should quit the game.

"My situation is exactly the situation that the USCF does not like."

Not sure what that means.  Do you think all members of USCF are pros?  I'm pretty sure that "hobbyists" are their predominant clientele. 

why would you quit chess?  It's not like it's something that harms you like a drug.  I find it funny when people say they learn about life through chess.  Life is not a board game and it isn't governed by  chess rules. 

tsk tsk tsk

too literal and technical you are

I don't think he is (as I said in post #2).  And yeah, this whole "learning about life" business seems pretty flimsy.

Begin on a hobby horse then great strides can be made in life.

Why quit? every time I get bored I just get on and play couple of bullet games. Stimulates the mind, I'll say.

So why is everyone so hard on this guy? It seems his major malfunction is obsessive thinking, both about playing chess and quitting the same. No detailed explanations are owed or expected. Just let it go dude.

And now you're demanding that he let go!  No wonder he's in a tizzy.

At the age of 17 it is exemplary of you to explore other interests an hobbies. But if you enjoy the game it will always be a worthwhile lifetime pursuit that you can find satisfying for years to come. True, like everyone else on this forum, you will not be a Magnus Carlsen, nor should you hold yourself to that  standard. Thus, it would not be in your interest to dedicate all your time and energy to the single pursuit of chess. Rather, you should indulge yourself into the game for the satisfaction that it gives you. As time goes on you will find other interests that you would like to spend time on. Try them all. Rather than "quit" you should allow yourself the opportunity to explore.

I dabbled in golf for several years and although I recognized I would never be a Tiger Woods, it was enjoyable. But it consumed too much time to get to a level of skill that was as rewarding as I would like. So I diverted my time to my interest in music which for me is very satisfying. Find your interests and passions and pursue them with vigor, favoring those you enjoy most. But never "quit". 

finally someone talking some sense...

Sorry, I can't (red-lady'll get into one of her jealous moods).  And I'm afraid that'll have to go for you too, Prof...

I've quit chess at least twice. It's a bigger waste of time than staying.

Well, equally obviously the OP has only just now come to that realization.

Unless you want to. 

I've occupied 18 territories with 2 armies in each and am still penniless.

Monopoly was no better.

My plastic hotels were all in vain!

Although I did once buy a six-pack with Monopoly money at the Chinese ma & pa down the street (I told them it was a commemorative issue).