Originally posted by isthislikecheckersJohn Shaw was rated about 1700 when he was 19 and became a GM in his 30s. Just because the game is dominated by prodigies doesn't mean ancient people, like you, cannot become really strong players.
I'm nineteen and thinking about taking up chess seriously. I've know the rules since I was about seven but rarely played. I'm a quick learner and have a high IQ but I'm afraid I've waited too long. How young do you have to start to become a great player?