I am quitting chess.

If you need to go, just walk away! We don't need your apologia, and we  don't need to hear about your adoescent disappointments. No matter how intricate and beautiful chess is, it is only a game and withstands comparisons to "life" in only the most superficial way. Go revolutionize Chutes and Ladders.

Honestly some of the people posting on this thread are just wierd !

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 ;) )

Look, most people imagine that their funeral service will draw a crowd.