road to master - Chess Forums

Oct 7, 2021

0

#1

The journey to chess master is a long one. Whether it be international, FIDE, or grand etc.. the process is not an easy one. I was just curious what everybody’s thought process was on how long it typically takes. What sort of obstacles one would normally have to overcome along the way. Obviously if you’re a prodigy this process is not as grueling, my question is more for someone who loves the game but isn’t a GM at 13 kinda good.

justbefair

Oct 7, 2021

0

#2

321BOOOOM wrote:

The journey to chess master is a long one. Whether it be international, FIDE, or grand etc.. the process is not an easy one. I was just curious what everybody’s thought process was on how long it typically takes. What sort of obstacles one would normally have to overcome along the way. Obviously if you’re a prodigy this process is not as grueling, my question is more for someone who loves the game but isn’t a GM at 13 kinda good.

Most of us have no idea because we've never made it. Even those who have made it can only tell you about their own experience.

They say it mostly depends on your willingness to work hard studying. It doesn't appear that you have taken many lessons here. What are you doing to improve?

llama47

Oct 7, 2021

0

#3

321BOOOOM wrote:

my question is more for someone who loves the game but isn’t a GM at 13 kinda good.

I went to my first OTB tournament at age 21 and improved about 100 points per year after that... so I'm not a "GM at 13" kinda person.

The somewhat depressing trend I've noticed is everyone seems to stop improving after about 8 years of work... don't be depressed if you've played for 8 years and aren't a master, because I said "of work." If you've only been playing around you still have 8 years in you

So, among those who eventually get a title, it's pretty much always less than 8 years. When people start young and work hard it can be as fast as 2-3 years for CM.

The obstacles for chess are the same for any skill... your improvement inevitably slows down (or temporarily stops) and to continue improving you have to honestly and critically examine yourself. Your habits, your mistakes, your lack of knowledge, your lack of performance. Doing the same things over and over is very comfortable, so you'll need some mix of motivation and determination to overcome that.