So what rating...

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 deeploser
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?

Depends on the nature of his or her intelligence, the definition of hard work and study, and the level of available competition.

2100 with immense studying

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 🙂

depending on how young he started playing, 2300-2600

Originally posted by DestinyRestored
there is little to no hope of ever breaking 2000 as is the case with 99% of the population

2000 is perfectly reachable for everyone, but it takes commitment and time.

Originally posted by wormwood
2000 is perfectly reachable for everyone, but it takes commitment and time.

???

depends which rating you refer to...for me 2000+ OTB -ELO would be much easier to reach than RHP for example 🙂

Originally posted by UndeadNightOrc
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 🙂

I'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.

Originally posted by deeploser
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?

My 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.

Originally posted by Squelchbelch
???

He'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.

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. 🙂

This conversation gives me hope.

I have read that, as a lot, even GM's average a little above the average intellegence of the general population. Whatever factors are required to achieve a 2500+ rating unusual genius doesn't appear to be one.