Like many here, I'm obsessed with the game. I fill every idle minute of my day with studying tactics, reading strategy books, or playing. My hunger for improving my play will probably never stop. I'm not a competative player, but play more for self improvement.
I haven't, however, had any coaching, professional or otherwise. Everything I have learned is self taught (books/software). I do feel like I have a good grasp on my weeknesses and have laid out a long term plan for improving those points.
My life goal is to achieve master level. Although things may change in the future, I don't see myself being in the position to aquire a chess coach for both financial and personal reasons.
I would like to hear from any "self-made masters" out there. Do you exist? Is it possible?
Originally posted by Kings Indian FTWTo clarify my post, I am talking about OTB and considering "master" as USCF 2200 or FIDE 2200. RHP ratings are often inaccurrate/inconsistant with OTB ratings.
It is possible (2000 isnt that hard IMHO). I dont see how people on RHP can have ratings like 900... its just stupid.
OTB I hope to be atleast 2200 before I quit.
I'm not a titled player. I have used some coaching online and offline, by titled players. They have taught me things that I couldn't gain from books. One main reason is that most players develop misunderstandings regarding chess and reading can't easily eradicate these. However, having a stronger player listen to you talk about chess and tell you "that's just crazy" helps a lot to shatter the erroneous illusions.
In short, a good coach will often point you in the right direction more quickly/easily than you may discover for yourself.
Originally posted by VarenkaYou can get coaches quite cheap and over the internet too. If you're really interested in a coach they're pretty easy to find over Playchess.
I'm not a titled player. I have used some coaching online and offline, by titled players. They have taught me things that I couldn't gain from books. One main reason is that most players develop misunderstandings regarding chess and reading can't easily eradicate these. However, having a stronger player listen to you talk about chess and tell you "that's ...[text shortened]... n point you in the right direction more quickly/easily than you may discover for yourself.
Originally posted by Kings Indian FTWThey probably wouldn't be able to understand why you're so stupid that you can't do things they find easy. I think you should lay off people who are presumably only using this site for fun
I dont see how people on RHP can have ratings like 900... its just stupid.
There are all these people around me who are my age, and they all have one coach who has made their ratings skyrocket.
Some examples
In 1 year....
1400 to 1950
900 to 1530
1100 to 1440
1590 to 1900
and similar. And get this.... do you know what the coaches rating is? It's 1400! How does a 1400 train someone to get to 1900? I don't know, but his system works!
In short, no, i don't think its possible, unless you have at least some natural talent and are willing to put in a ton of hard work as in every moment of free time you have.
Originally posted by Fat LadyHow long did it take you to achieve it?
I've known loads of very talented players in my time, and in my opinion it is very difficult to become an International Master without coaching of some sort. Expert level, which is what I am, is relatively easy to achieve.
It took me ten years from when I learnt the moves (at age 12) to becoming an "Expert" (> 2000 rating). Obviously I did a few other things, like O levels, A levels and a degree inbetween the chess!
I have personally known two people who went from beginner to expert standard in less than two years. But your average International Master is a couple of levels above master in my opinion. I don't know anyone who has become an IM without at least a little bit of coaching. Neither of the two players I mentioned ever became any better, even thought they both still play regularly and it is now fifteen years later.
Originally posted by Kings Indian FTWI know in many ways you are just trying to be funny, but I know a couple of the sub 1000 players here because they are students of mine. The youngest one is five years old.
It is possible (2000 isnt that hard IMHO). I dont see how people on RHP can have ratings like 900... its just stupid.
OTB I hope to be atleast 2200 before I quit.