I don't know who told you that but almost noone in the world becomes a IM in 4-5 years.
Think of becoming an IM like you would hope to become a player in the EPL or NBA. The odds are incredibly low, you will likely never come close to being a IM.
What chess books/study tactics can bring a 1300 elo player to IM level in 4-5 years?
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Uhohspaghettio1 wrote:
I don't know who told you that but almost noone in the world becomes a IM in 4-5 years.
Think of becoming an IM like you would hope to become a player in the EPL or NBA. The odds are incredibly low, you will likely never come close to being a IM.
I have to find the source... But it was about an experiment conducted on a bunch of children my age to see if the 10,000 hour practice rule really works or not. They said many came close to 2,000 elo around the 6-7,000 hour mark, but a few of them (who werent geniuses or prodigies) became 2000+ elo from only 4,500 hours of practice alone, which was because they had great visual spacial memory and passion for the game. I dont know, maybe it might be possible for me if I work really hard at it? I mean, I'm still young, and it's not like I'm just starting. I can also put in 40 hours a week and buy books and coaches. By the end of those 4 years I wouls have put in around 8,000 hours of practice. I thought that might be enough to make me an IM player, or maybe even a WGM (Im a girl so the requirements are lower) for 2300 elo. If it's impossible, I understand. Chess is fun for me anyways, so it's not like I'll stop enjoying the game 😅
Feb 12, 2021
0
#4
KindOfANoob wrote:
Uhohspaghettio1 wrote:
I don't know who told you that but almost noone in the world becomes a IM in 4-5 years.
Think of becoming an IM like you would hope to become a player in the EPL or NBA. The odds are incredibly low, you will likely never come close to being a IM.
I have to find the source... But it was about an experiment conducted on a bunch of children my age to see if the 10,000 hour practice rule really works or not. They said many came close to 2,000 elo around the 6-7,000 hour mark, but a few of them (who werent geniuses or prodigies) became 2000+ elo from only 4,500 hours of practice alone, which was because they had great visual spacial memory and passion for the game. I dont know, maybe it might be possible for me if I work really hard at it? I mean, I'm still young, and it's not like I'm just starting. I can also put in 40 hours a week and buy books and coaches. By the end of those 4 years I wouls have put in around 8,000 hours of practice. I thought that might be enough to make me an IM player, or maybe even a WGM (Im a girl so the requirements are lower) for 2300 elo. If it's impossible, I understand. Chess is fun for me anyways, so it's not like I'll stop enjoying the game 😅
2000 is a lot different than 2300. People will spend 5 years studying to get from 500 to 2000 (1500 points.) but then it takes them another 5 years to go from 2000 to 2200 if they can even do it at all
Penguin wrote:
KindOfANoob wrote:
Uhohspaghettio1 wrote:
I don't know who told you that but almost noone in the world becomes a IM in 4-5 years.
Think of becoming an IM like you would hope to become a player in the EPL or NBA. The odds are incredibly low, you will likely never come close to being a IM.
I have to find the source... But it was about an experiment conducted on a bunch of children my age to see if the 10,000 hour practice rule really works or not. They said many came close to 2,000 elo around the 6-7,000 hour mark, but a few of them (who werent geniuses or prodigies) became 2000+ elo from only 4,500 hours of practice alone, which was because they had great visual spacial memory and passion for the game. I dont know, maybe it might be possible for me if I work really hard at it? I mean, I'm still young, and it's not like I'm just starting. I can also put in 40 hours a week and buy books and coaches. By the end of those 4 years I wouls have put in around 8,000 hours of practice. I thought that might be enough to make me an IM player, or maybe even a WGM (Im a girl so the requirements are lower) for 2300 elo. If it's impossible, I understand. Chess is fun for me anyways, so it's not like I'll stop enjoying the game 😅
2000 is a lot different than 2300. People will spend 5 years studying to get from 500 to 2000 (1500 points.) but then it takes them another 5 years to go from 2000 to 2200 if they can even do it at all
That's true. I guess everyone is different and learns at different speeds. I'm not a supergenius or anything, but I would say I have excellent visualization skills and memory and I could pick up on tactics quickly. Being young gives me a bit of an edge too, I guess, because I have more time to study than a busy adult with a job. My first goal would be 2000 elo. From there I can reach for 2300 and then maybe even higher! I think the reason people say that most people will never reach a certain level is because not everyone is willing to put in the long hours it takes to reach that level. Maybe there would be a lot more grandmasters if people put in the work. I'd be willing to put in the time and work, too. I have money to afford coaches and books, and I can study for a long time without getting burnt out because I enjoy studying chess so much. Maybe I could be an example for another player in the future who also wants to go from 1300 elo to 2300. I guess there is only one way to find out. I'll make sure to come back in four years and let everyone know my progress. Hopefully I'm a good player by then! ☺
Feb 12, 2021
0
#6
KindOfANoob wrote:
Penguin wrote:
KindOfANoob wrote:
Uhohspaghettio1 wrote:
I don't know who told you that but almost noone in the world becomes a IM in 4-5 years.
Think of becoming an IM like you would hope to become a player in the EPL or NBA. The odds are incredibly low, you will likely never come close to being a IM.
I have to find the source... But it was about an experiment conducted on a bunch of children my age to see if the 10,000 hour practice rule really works or not. They said many came close to 2,000 elo around the 6-7,000 hour mark, but a few of them (who werent geniuses or prodigies) became 2000+ elo from only 4,500 hours of practice alone, which was because they had great visual spacial memory and passion for the game. I dont know, maybe it might be possible for me if I work really hard at it? I mean, I'm still young, and it's not like I'm just starting. I can also put in 40 hours a week and buy books and coaches. By the end of those 4 years I wouls have put in around 8,000 hours of practice. I thought that might be enough to make me an IM player, or maybe even a WGM (Im a girl so the requirements are lower) for 2300 elo. If it's impossible, I understand. Chess is fun for me anyways, so it's not like I'll stop enjoying the game 😅
2000 is a lot different than 2300. People will spend 5 years studying to get from 500 to 2000 (1500 points.) but then it takes them another 5 years to go from 2000 to 2200 if they can even do it at all
That's true. I guess everyone is different and learns at different speeds. I'm not a supergenius or anything, but I would say I have excellent visualization skills and memory and I could pick up on tactics quickly. Being young gives me a bit of an edge too, I guess, because I have more time to study than a busy adult with a job. My first goal would be 2000 elo. From there I can reach for 2300 and then maybe even higher! I think the reason people say that most people will never reach a certain level is because not everyone is willing to put in the long hours it takes to reach that level. Maybe there would be a lot more grandmasters if people put in the work. I'd be willing to put in the time and work, too. I have money to afford coaches and books, and I can study for a long time without getting burnt out because I enjoy studying chess so much. Maybe I could be an example for another player in the future who also wants to go from 1300 elo to 2300. I guess there is only one way to find out. I'll make sure to come back in four years and let everyone know my progress. Hopefully I'm a good player by then! ☺
Just going to say a bunch of random stuff. I’m 17 and have been studying for about 5 years and am rated 2010 USCF, but I haven’t been to any tournaments in a while because Covid. Recently I have been able to beat local titled players (CMs NMs) in classical time controls. I think that within a year after in person tournaments restart regularly, I’ll get a title. So maybe 6 years for me studying sometimes 6+ hours a day for months.
You say you won’t get burnt out... Trust me, you will 
Studying doesn’t mean playing blitz and bullet. Read books, play long games, fill out notes of your analysis of yours (and GM’s) games without using an engine, etc.
It’s going to take a massive amount of competitive spirit
Studying isn’t always going to be fun.
Idk anything else to say right now, but if you stick to chess in the coming years or not, I hope you have good luck 🍀
Penguin wrote:
KindOfANoob wrote:
Penguin wrote:
KindOfANoob wrote:
Uhohspaghettio1 wrote:
I don't know who told you that but almost noone in the world becomes a IM in 4-5 years.
Think of becoming an IM like you would hope to become a player in the EPL or NBA. The odds are incredibly low, you will likely never come close to being a IM.
I have to find the source... But it was about an experiment conducted on a bunch of children my age to see if the 10,000 hour practice rule really works or not. They said many came close to 2,000 elo around the 6-7,000 hour mark, but a few of them (who werent geniuses or prodigies) became 2000+ elo from only 4,500 hours of practice alone, which was because they had great visual spacial memory and passion for the game. I dont know, maybe it might be possible for me if I work really hard at it? I mean, I'm still young, and it's not like I'm just starting. I can also put in 40 hours a week and buy books and coaches. By the end of those 4 years I wouls have put in around 8,000 hours of practice. I thought that might be enough to make me an IM player, or maybe even a WGM (Im a girl so the requirements are lower) for 2300 elo. If it's impossible, I understand. Chess is fun for me anyways, so it's not like I'll stop enjoying the game 😅
2000 is a lot different than 2300. People will spend 5 years studying to get from 500 to 2000 (1500 points.) but then it takes them another 5 years to go from 2000 to 2200 if they can even do it at all
That's true. I guess everyone is different and learns at different speeds. I'm not a supergenius or anything, but I would say I have excellent visualization skills and memory and I could pick up on tactics quickly. Being young gives me a bit of an edge too, I guess, because I have more time to study than a busy adult with a job. My first goal would be 2000 elo. From there I can reach for 2300 and then maybe even higher! I think the reason people say that most people will never reach a certain level is because not everyone is willing to put in the long hours it takes to reach that level. Maybe there would be a lot more grandmasters if people put in the work. I'd be willing to put in the time and work, too. I have money to afford coaches and books, and I can study for a long time without getting burnt out because I enjoy studying chess so much. Maybe I could be an example for another player in the future who also wants to go from 1300 elo to 2300. I guess there is only one way to find out. I'll make sure to come back in four years and let everyone know my progress. Hopefully I'm a good player by then! ☺
Just going to say a bunch of random stuff. I’m 17 and have been studying for about 5 years and am rated 2010 USCF, but I haven’t been to any tournaments in a while because Covid. Recently I have been able to beat local titled players (CMs NMs) in classical time controls. I think that within a year after in person tournaments restart regularly, I’ll get a title. So maybe 6 years for me studying sometimes 6+ hours a day for months.
You say you won’t get burnt out... Trust me, you will
Studying doesn’t mean playing blitz and bullet. Read books, play long games, fill out notes of your analysis of yours (and GM’s) games without using an engine, etc.
It’s going to take a massive amount of competitive spirit
Studying isn’t always going to be fun.
Idk anything else to say right now, but if you stick to chess in the coming years or not, I hope you have good luck 🍀
It probably won't be fun all the time, but it would be worth it. Nothing bad comes from studying chess. It has lots of other benefits like concentration! Some of my favorite players started at late ages and reached 2000+ in a few years. I think Mikhail Chigorin was one of them. I don't plan to make chess my entire life or become the best player in the world, but becoming a WGM would be a massive achievment for me and it would definitelt make my family proud. Im gonna keeo working for it. I think it could be possible....its just a matter of if I stick to it and study the righr material
Feb 12, 2021
0
#8
Don't try for IM in 4-5 years. It may seem like a long time, but it will take a lot longer to be a master than you think it would.
JackRoach wrote:
Don't try for IM in 4-5 years. It may seem like a long time, but it will take a lot longer to be a master than you think it would.
I wanted to try because after those 5 years I will be in college with not much time to study intensely. I was hoping I could achieve the title of 2300-2400 elo by 18 (i am 13 now, but I learned at 7). Many people have done it at an even older age than me and in less time. It can be possible if I work at it. I really want to reach that level so I am passionate enough to work as hard as it takes. Also, I believe I read somewhere that it takes 10,000-12,000 hours to reach grandmaster level for someone my age. If I put in 40 hours a week, that would be over 8,000 hours by the time I am 18. I figured thay would at least place me in WGM level....
Feb 12, 2021
0
#10
Trust me you can’t do 6+ hours every single day for 5 years. You’ll burn out no matter what you think right now. You’re going to need breaks. I’ve tried many times to study 6+ hours every day, and can only maintain it for a couple months top, then I need a break for at least a week or two.
Feb 12, 2021
0
#11
Penguin wrote:
Trust me you can’t do 6+ hours every single day for 5 years. You’ll burn out no matter what you think right now. You’re going to need breaks. I’ve tried many times to study 6+ hours every day, and can only maintain it for a couple months top, then I need a break for at least a week or two.
aka right now lol. I should be studying for my junior state championships in a month, but instead I’m messing around on forums.
Find strong opponents to learn from. Play open games and don't hesitate to try sacrifices that look promising. If you get 2 pawns and an attack for a piece, or a pawn plus an attack for the exchange, do it! Take two rooks or three minor pieces for the queen every time! Most of all, don't resign when you're losing!
Tactics are mostly remembered through experience, and you need to experience situations where speed of attack and resourcefulness in defense really matter. Don't be afraid to lose, but be eager to win!
Find tactical targets:
- Pieces that are short on squares
- Loose (undefended) pieces
- Major pieces/King on the same color square (targets for knight forks)
- Pieces defending multiple critical squares
- Pinned pieces
- Backwards pawns
The better you are at spotting weaknesses, the more naturally the tactical combinations will come to mind.
Dsmith42 wrote:
Find strong opponents to learn from. Play open games and don't hesitate to try sacrifices that look promising. If you get 2 pawns and an attack for a piece, or a pawn plus an attack for the exchange, do it! Take two rooks or three minor pieces for the queen every time! Most of all, don't resign when you're losing!
Tactics are mostly remembered through experience, and you need to experience situations where speed of attack and resourcefulness in defense really matter. Don't be afraid to lose, but be eager to win!
Find tactical targets:
- Pieces that are short on squares
- Loose (undefended) pieces
- Major pieces/King on the same color square (targets for knight forks)
- Pieces defending multiple critical squares
- Pinned pieces
- Backwards pawns
The better you are at spotting weaknesses, the more naturally the tactical combinations will come to mind.
Thanks for the tips! I hope I can achieve my title one day
Penguin wrote:
Trust me you can’t do 6+ hours every single day for 5 years. You’ll burn out no matter what you think right now. You’re going to need breaks. I’ve tried many times to study 6+ hours every day, and can only maintain it for a couple months top, then I need a break for at least a week or two.
I can take breaks.....also I try to make my study sessions rewarding, my dad takes me for ice cream after sometimes ☺ Also, I space my hours out throughout the day so it's not just one full session of me studying for 5 hours straight. Maybe something will just click one day and I can discover if I have a natural talent for the game....I hope it happens soon, though. I would hate to have to give up chess because I don't have enough time to reach a title.
Hard to say, I wish you the best no matter what you try for though
Moonwarrior_1 wrote:
Hard to say, I wish you the best no matter what you try for though
Thank you very much! I think it may be achievable. They say 10,000 hours is needed minimum for the average person to achieve grandmaster. If I put in 8,000 hours in those 4 years, I would be close to IM! Im a girl and I compete in female tournaments so the requirements are lower for me if I wanna be a WGM or WIM. It's my dream to win the US Womens Championship and to do that I would need to be around IM strength. Maybe from there I can win a womens world championship!
Hello chess world! I'm a kid that learned chess in my childhood and recently started playing again. I want to play on a professional level, and I have the time to study intensely, but I'm not sure exactly how to study. I have a small list of books to start with, and I think I want to begin with endgame. I have heard from many people it is possible to become an International Master within 5 years if you have the right study methods. I guess I'm really just asking what methods would be best for me to reach that level. Books, getting a coach, playing more games, or a combination of all? Maybe I'm missing something 😅