Older but want to learn

How strong would you like to be?

I would like to get into the 2000 range.

   "wanting" and "I would like" are not much of a plan.

    How many hours a day are you willing to put in as sweat equity?

Alas your tactics rating here of 872 is probably a better indicator of your current rating than what you do on Chessmaster.  Doesn't mean you can't improve greatly though.  One plan would be to try playing some correspondence chess ("online" in Erikspeak) where you're allowed to research your opening with books, videos, and databases (no engines) and obviously really take your time thinking about each move.  Of course if you're really serious about becoming a 2000, then you should think about a diamond membership here and immersing yourself in the educational resources available.

start working on tactics learn typical patterns, mating nets etc

   If told by a GM: "Well, let's see...being as how it is you...I'd estimate 4 hours per day for 6 years should be about right. Afterall, you are special. Most others will never get there."

   Would he put in the 4hrs x 365 days over 6 years = 8,760 hours?

    Or, is this just an idle question.

    I think I know, but I could be wrong. (Not.)

I'd say 2000 is possible if you are able to put in the blood, sweat and tears.

   Many are those who have spent their life playing chess and still piddle around at 1200 or less.

   I'd bet my money on: piddling. 100 drachma says so. No, make that 1,000 drachma.

Is he able to put in the blood, sweat and tears? I don't know and never claimed to know.

Which rating are you talking about here ? USCF (OTB) or online corr. or something else ?

it depends on how you use your time

I find it wonderful that you're asking. However, I don't think that anyone here is going to give you an answer that isn't posted somewhere else. If you know what you'd like to do, roll up your sleeves and get to work. All the tools that you need will seriously depend on how you use them with the time that you have. Personally, rating has no bearing on my enjoyment of the game and I'd like to keep it that way. I've only been playing for 6 months and won't even pretend to present myself as experienced in the game but, in the end, it is a game. Don't forget to enjoy yourself while learning. Stay motivated and grind it out.

hi op Deebo previous post is well writ

identify where you want to improve

in this 21st century resources to improve are a click away but only if you desire it (as in anythin yu must want what you want)

is it foolproof ?will time put in = what you gain ,i hope so cos this is what i do to make me play the game i hold dear better

   Meh. If one really wants to improve significantly at chess they need to be steely-eyed, passionately driven and have an attitude of burning all their ships in the harbor because retreat is not an option.

  Short of that? Talk, talk, talk and piddle around pushing wood.

I am taking advantage of the tactics trainer here. That seems to be where I need the most work, being able to see several moves ahead.

   How many hours per day?

1978 was the last time I played tournament chess. I was a sophomore on my high school team, conservatively rated about 1100. When I began playing on this site I was about the same. Then I worked on Tactics Tutor, watched videos, Chess Mentor, studied openings and played a whole bunch of games. Now I'm about 850.

Someone tell me I'll rebound. Please. Seriously.

Regards,

Lou

That's pretty funny Lou.  Not sure if you actually want any advice, but your Tactics Trainer score is pretty miserable and you've done less than 3% of the Chess Mentor courses.  Try doing all of GM Patrick Wolff's tactics courses over on the Chess Mentor and I bet you can improve.

Thank you, I appreciate the advice. Yes, my TT score is miserable. I don't understand why it's getting worse instead of better. I'm going to let it be a bit and work on GM Wolff for now.

Regards,

Lou