Originally posted by deeploserDepends on the nature of his or her intelligence, the definition of hard work and study, and the level of available competition.
What rating could a person with average to slightly above average intelligence expect to peak out at even with hard work and study in chess?
I don't know, even with years of studying, I think I would have to train my brain to think differently. I just don't understand the greater more in depth strategies of the game of chess. I think with study at best I could hope for maybe 1500-1600 but without actually shifting the way my brain works...there is little to no hope of ever breaking 2000 as is the case with 99% of the population
I'm over 30 and only just recently decided to start taking chess seriously. I doubt 2000 is possible for me now in my lifetime (work, family and other obligations do not allow me to devote a lot of time to chess study). I do strive to improve my play however and set my goal to something lower (1600-1800 in a few years).
When I hear stories of young people rocketing to 1600 a year after they join RHP I get jealous because it would probably take me 5 years to get to that level of play 🙂
Originally posted by UndeadNightOrcI'm in the same boat as yourself! I've got back to the game about 2 or so years ago, and I'm putting my time into studying it (leisurely), I'm averaging about 1600 - 1650. And I'd like to hit 1800 at some stage, but to be honest I'm not interested in taking it any further than that. There's way too much studying/theory involved, and like yourself - I've obligations! Besides, I want to enjoy playing the game, and not get too bogged down in it.
I'm over 30 and only just recently decided to start taking chess seriously. I doubt 2000 is possible for me now in my lifetime (work, family and other obligations do not allow me to devote a lot of time to chess study). I do strive to improve my play however and set my goal to something lower (1600-1800 in a few years).
When I hear stories of young ...[text shortened]... oin RHP I get jealous because it would probably take me 5 years to get to that level of play 🙂
Originally posted by deeploserMy first tournament many years ago gave me a rating of 1667 and I was stuck there for years despite a lot of effort as a teenager. Then one day I discovered what was missing from my play and with a little more effort went to the low 2000’s in about 2 years. After that I quit studying and became content just to play. So, I would say 1800-2000 should be attainable. A friend hit master then got burned out. He told me it was just too much work to maintain that level. I think he did it through hard work, not natural talent. I know he devoted a lot more time to chess than I would have ever cared to.
What rating could a person with average to slightly above average intelligence expect to peak out at even with hard work and study in chess?
Originally posted by SquelchbelchHe's right - it doesn't take any special intelligence to be a 2000 player. Or a master, according to most chess teachers. I know Bruce Pandolfini and Sunil Weeramantry both say any adult of average intelligence could become a master if they were willing to take the time and effort to do so.
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Now, if you want to be a GM, particularly a world-class one...you'd best be very smart, because you need to have every advantage you can get. For the rest of us, some people might get a head start by being very intelligent, but for the most part chess is more about who has learned more, not who is smarter. 🙂