The youngest grand master was 10 I believe. I have seen dozens of kids who were 11 and 12 playing at a high 1600 level. Been beaten by them myself. This is my third year playing and I am rated 1700 here and 1878 on gameknot. I think that age does matter to an extent. Some people can understand the game at a very young age. I could not to be honest. at age 17 I understood the game a lot better and at 20 even better now.
Originally posted by kmac27It was 12, I think (or it was a couple of years ago). Sergey Karjakin (not sure if it has changed since)
The youngest grand master was 10 I believe. I have seen dozens of kids who were 11 and 12 playing at a high 1600 level. Been beaten by them myself. This is my third year playing and I am rated 1700 here and 1878 on gameknot. I think that age does matter to an extent. Some people can understand the game at a very young age. I could not to be honest. at age 17 I understood the game a lot better and at 20 even better now.
Generally, I don't think skill at chess has anything at all to do with age. Of course, like an athlete, one's skill declines after a certain age, but it's not always pronounced. As for youth, I've seen exceptionally good players as young as six, so I hesitate to compare age with chess skill. Naturally, the younger ones can be expected to improve, but only if they work at it. As to how much they improve, it all depends on how seriously they do the work. For some, it comes easily; for others it does not.
Originally posted by jjjeff1Like everyone else says, rating has little to do with age. I for one, am also 14, and I think my rating will level of around 1650.
well i understand that but i was know most people arent gms at the age of 12. i was just wondering the average rating of people my age, because i understand that when im 20 my rating will have improved a lot, but i want to have an indicator to where i stand now.
well obviosly an older chess player will be able to comprehend and think through more intracate chess patterns and concepts, and be able to memorize traps and openings better, generally, right? and i know there are exceptions, but generally... its like school. younger kids dont do as difficult tasks as the older kids because they wouldnt be able to comprehend or understand it... if you see what im trying to get at here
Originally posted by jjjeff1Im 15 do you want to see how long you last with me so you can see how your doing generally.
well obviosly an older chess player will be able to comprehend and think through more intracate chess patterns and concepts, and be able to memorize traps and openings better, generally, right? and i know there are exceptions, but generally... its like school. younger kids dont do as difficult tasks as the older kids because they wouldnt be able to comprehend or understand it... if you see what im trying to get at here
