1800 ACF is roughly 1900 FIDE, iirc. 2200 is candidate master. Not saying 300 points at that level isn't a ton, but it's close enough that I don't think you can say you'd never have a shot if you really dedicated yourself to OTB play.
Why I will never be a master
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Borg, I would think a large part of the problem is infrequent rated events near you ?
Well, the point should be fun. If you enjoy what you're doing now and don't think you'd enjoy playing OTB tournaments, don't worry about it.
I consider myself fortunate that I live in an area now that has a good mix of cheap tournaments and big, expensive tournaments. I enjoy the atmosphere of the big ones, and the chance to win big prizes is kind of exciting, but I don't always how segregated the sections can be in those tournaments. I enjoy playing a wide variety of playing strenghts.
How much does a typical weekend tournament cost there ? In the US the cost is becoming ridiculous to play 5 games of rated chess, its not surprising that many are quitting and tournament attendance is suffering ....
I don't know why I keep getting notified when this question gets answered, because I didn't track it.
i have to thank god for letting me live in a city with a main stream chess club that holds many tournaments
I believe a typical weekend swiss in the US now costs at least $200. Entry fees are $50. and up, 2 nights in a hotel for most people, meals out, gas/travel..... etc. When you consider you are playing 5 games then the per game cost is $40. per game , is it really worth this just to have a rating ?
BorgQueen wrote:
Maybe you should... and then untrack it.
That worked. I just read that they made tracking automatic, so it's not a glitch.
Really depends on where you are, Reb.
When I played the Thanksgiving Open in St. Louis, 6 SS over two days, then yeah, it was about $200 even before you consider eating out while I was there.
When I played the Springfield (Ill.) Open this month, it was $20 and $5 in gas to play 4 games (or rather 3, because some jerk no-show forfeited in the third round).
Reb wrote:
I believe a typical weekend swiss in the US now costs at least $200. Entry fees are $50. and up, 2 nights in a hotel for most people, meals out, gas/travel..... etc. When you consider you are playing 5 games then the per game cost is $40. per game , is it really worth this just to have a rating ?
Nope.
Feb 20, 2011
0
#32
BorgQueen wrote:
A weekender would end up costing around $80 - $100.
Really? That is surprising. Over here it is still only $40 max for an adult. Don't you get prize money for winning tournaments too? I play in one on the weekend, got early-bird, junior fee of $20 and won $17.50, so essentially only lost $2.50 for a nice rating increase! :)
Anyways, someone of your rating online would fly up the ratings in just playing at one tournament. And you need OTB practice to get better BQ!
BorgQueen wrote:
woodshover wrote:
That worked. I just read that they made tracking automatic, so it's not a glitch.
So once you post in a topic it's tracked automatically?
Yep. Didn't you just read Posting = tracking?
Feb 20, 2011
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#34
BorgQueen wrote:
There are some cheaper tourneys, but they generally only go for one day.
Oh okay - well start with those then - they are still rated games and good practice!
Haha, look at me...giving advice to a to-be Master :)
Feb 21, 2011
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#35
Reb wrote:
I believe a typical weekend swiss in the US now costs at least $200. Entry fees are $50. and up, 2 nights in a hotel for most people, meals out, gas/travel..... etc. When you consider you are playing 5 games then the per game cost is $40. per game , is it really worth this just to have a rating ?
Nb5. Your turn.
Feb 21, 2011
0
#36
Estragon wrote:
Look, it's no wonder you get discouraged and/or burnt out playing three long games per day. I stopped doing that decades ago. For weekend events with a Friday night option, it was always worth it to me to go early and pay the extra night's expenses so there were no more than 2 rounds per day.
Otherwise, I'd request 1/2 point byes as needed - most Swiss events in the US permit them with adequate notice - to avoid a third game in a day. My worst games have always been third games. Sure, my opponents also were on their third, but it becomes a contest of stamina, not chess IMO.
Anyone can request a bye and get a free half-point? That would be attractive to lower-rated players, right>
BorgQueen wrote:
Not a "to-be-master" but a "wanna-be-master",... just like everyone else!
That is all YOU need !! Borkqueen you are already beating chess experts as your ratings indicate. With the passion you have for the game and your steady work habits, you are on the threshold of that you seek. The title of MASTER is within your grasp it is an honorable and worthy goal !! BEST OF LUCK 
Feb 21, 2011
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#38
Estragon wrote:
Look, it's no wonder you get discouraged and/or burnt out playing three long games per day. I stopped doing that decades ago. For weekend events with a Friday night option, it was always worth it to me to go early and pay the extra night's expenses so there were no more than 2 rounds per day.
Otherwise, I'd request 1/2 point byes as needed - most Swiss events in the US permit them with adequate notice - to avoid a third game in a day. My worst games have always been third games. Sure, my opponents also were on their third, but it becomes a contest of stamina, not chess IMO.
I don't know if it's the length of time that's the cause of the blunders or if the length of time invested just causes the frustration. The root cause could've been that I was winning and looking to finish the game thus ignoring counterplay. The other problem is after I lost on the first ay I kept dreaming about that game and didn't get the best sleep. I then tried to adjust my attitude to not take things so seriously but that only partly worked. I think in order to keep playing OTB I'd need to be able to do at least two things
1. Get much less stressed out playing
2. Have a better method for calculating lines looking for tactics
Estragon wrote:
Look, it's no wonder you get discouraged and/or burnt out playing three long games per day. I stopped doing that decades ago. For weekend events with a Friday night option, it was always worth it to me to go early and pay the extra night's expenses so there were no more than 2 rounds per day.
Otherwise, I'd request 1/2 point byes as needed - most Swiss events in the US permit them with adequate notice - to avoid a third game in a day. My worst games have always been third games. Sure, my opponents also were on their third, but it becomes a contest of stamina, not chess IMO.
Stamina is an even bigger problem for "seniors" and 3 serious games a day is simply too much. I used to play round 1 on friday night so I only had 2 games to play on Sat, this was a big help but did have the drawback that I would have to spend an extra night in a hotel, usually. Now I would request a first round bye which means I wouldnt have to play until second round on Sat afternoon and I could drive to the location Sat am and spend only one night in the hotel, saving money as well as energy. I have been spoiled here though by one round per day tournaments which are the norm here in FIDE events. The thought of going back to 2 rounds a day is not appealing and 3 rounds are simply out of the question...
Feb 21, 2011
0
#40
This tournament has a Friday night, 3 rounds on Saturday for the lower rates G/2, (2 rounds for U2000 and Open but with longer time controls), and 2 round on Sunday. A Friday bye and a Saturday night bye would maybe more sane but then you're down to 4 games for the price and little chance to win with -1 point in a large Swiss event. Although the last part isn't too important.
I love the game, I study for ages, play every day, think about it every day, but yet, I will never make master. I just don't have the raw talent required.
I don't understand why not, that you couldn't make at least CM.
You are rated 2271 on this site after all, so your OTB rating must be around 2000?