@schlecter saidJMHO - Because chess is massive in its complexity, I believe the more one understands chess, the more they begin to realize how much they have left to learn about it.
A chess meme said that at 1800 ELO (FIDE) is the moment that you begin to understand Chess.
Is this true? or just a joke?
@mchill saidFor myself attempting to formally grow in chess knowledge is the main area I struggle with, besides the adhd that is 😣. For me the board is just not very complicated looking combined with watching how much better players move against me and adapting. I’m not sure where this would fall in line with all??
JMHO - Because chess is massive in its complexity, I believe the more one understands chess, the more they begin to realize how much they have left to learn about it.
@mike69 saidI understand. There is always a balance between studying chess because you like it and studying chess because you're attached to a rating or a level of play you want to achieve. All I can suggest is 1. Be patient with yourself, improvement will happen slowly and 2. Be consistent in your efforts. 🙂
Also not saying I’m up there that high🙂.
@mchill saidThe problem is reading and learning about it is sooo boring😁, and I learn better by showing and doing. Thank you for the advice.
I understand. There is always a balance between studying chess because you like it and studying chess because you're attached to a rating or a level of play you want to achieve. All I can suggest is 1. Be patient with yourself, improvement will happen slowly and 2. Be consistent in your efforts. 🙂
The answer to the question expressed in this thread's title depends on one's definition of "understand chess." I would define it as being able in virtually any unfamiliar position that's not dominated by tactics (whether in the opening, middle game, or endgame), to dissect the elements of the position and then synthesize a reasonable (although not necessary correct) plan.
If one subscribes to this definition, then a player "begins to understand chess" when (s)he can perform at least a partial element dissection / plan synthesis in virtually any position of the type described in the first paragraph. I have found this capability to be rare for 1800 ELO players and uncommon even for 2000 ELO players.
@bigdogg saidI agree,and also a major factor is memory and thinking in advance.Players who can sit down and recognise their opponent in playing some defence or other and know what the best response is are going to have a big advantage in the opening.When it comes to the later stages being able to "think" moves in advance as opposed to the opponents next immediate response will most likely win.Studying books and video's is next to useless if you can't commit to memory what you have just read or seen.I watch all Greenpawn's blogs but will I remember the traps etc he shows when playing a game?Unlikely I'm afraid.
No one understands chess, the whole game.
There are little pieces of knowledge. The better player tends to have several more pieces of knowledge.
That's just how it is for me and thank god for "analyze board"!!
@mchill saidAfter rereading, and a short break from the forums I think it’s more so I’m not really interested in either. I don’t want to put the effort out due to so much I’m putting off by being on here.
I understand. There is always a balance between studying chess because you like it and studying chess because you're attached to a rating or a level of play you want to achieve. All I can suggest is 1. Be patient with yourself, improvement will happen slowly and 2. Be consistent in your efforts. 🙂
If I wanted too follow each move and put the necessary thought needed along with each move combined with my stress way down from not finishing an investment needed to move on in every direction, I know I will play better and grow much more quickly.
At the moment it’s not possible combined with adhd problems thinking all over the place for hours in front of a wall and finishing nothing or accomplishing anything here. 🤯 + 🤯🤯🤯🤯💥
@mike69 saidI once read one of those sayings you see like "a knight on the rim is dim"
More for back up early instead of attacking, or using together?
It was "never retreat your knight in a fight"
As with all these alleged words of wisdom I think it depends on the circumstances