05 Oct 05
Originally posted by ChesswickIf anyone is going to start chess in their later life (ie, over 20 when they learn the moves), to become a Master would take immense self belief. From my limited knowledge of the top GM's, they all share one thing in particular, they simply don't expect to loose, EVER. Learning chess to Master level is one thing, but to get the Norms you require takes psychological stamina that not everyone possesses.
I'm 25, and while I've had a casual interest in chess most of my younger years I pretty well accept that I could never be a GM; however, that doesn't mean goals are futile, right? What about NM status? What about just simply trying to reach 1800-2000 rated?
For me, seeing and understanding the beauty of the game, combinations, the strategies, etc ...[text shortened]... a concert pianist doesn't mean I can't play with the same degree of interest and appreciation.
05 Oct 05
1 edit
yasser seirawan seems to be very sceptical about said 'genius from the cradle' -stories. also, many GMs have studied chess some 15 years at the age of 20. that's a long time, and a lot of very hard work. - furthermore, a child does not have the time consuming responsibilities an adult has. work, relationships, family etc.
05 Oct 05
1 edit
Originally posted by wormwoodAnd kids don't pickle their brains with alcohol on a regular basis...
yasser seirawan seems to be very sceptical about said 'genius from the cradle' -stories. also, many GMs have studied chess some 15 years at the age of 20. that's a long time, and a lot of very hard work. - furthermore, a child does not have the time consuming responsibilities an adult has. work, relationships, family etc.
05 Oct 05
Originally posted by wormwoodFirst thing to remember is that your brain continues to develop as you grow, sometimes into your early teens. Can you remember when you discovered abstract thought and started wondering about the reasons why we're here, the meaning of life etc? That's all your synapses finally connecting when suddenly the world explodes in your head. I cerainly remember that time. In contrast, a child of 6 is incapable of abstract thought and there's a number of studies to show this. I replicated one myself at university.
yasser seirawan seems to be very sceptical about said 'genius from the cradle' -stories. also, many GMs have studied chess some 15 years at the age of 20. that's a long time, and a lot of very hard work. - furthermore, a child does not have the time consuming responsibilities an adult has. work, relationships, family etc.
But there's also evidence you can hardwire the brain into certain specific skill sets such as music and maths (which are very closely related), and languages for example. My kids have spoken two languages since they were born - it should have been three but we reckoned they couldn't handle it and we were wrong. I reckon the same thing goes for chess. The younger you start, the better, as Polgar Senior has shown.
I agree with Seirawan, but the fact that the passion hit the GM's early counts a lot. But there must be an element of talent, too, my early senior school years were consumed by chess, but I'll never, ever be more than half-way good.