English Chess Forum

This doesn't apply to all, but why do a lot of good players stop playing chess or play very few games in a year?

Gavin Strachan wrote:This doesn't apply to all, but why do a lot of good players stop playing chess or play very few games in a year?

Not sure about the good bit (been the same sort of grade 164-177 for years...) but I sort of stopped playing because the journey's to and from the venue's became a hassle and the game became less fun - might be the job I do but at the moment but I really just want to switch off in the evening

Know what I mean?

I'm not very good and even I've started to dry up on my chess! - I used to not be able to get enough of chess, and now it just seems like another unecessary task that is filling up my life...

I think the problem is that instead of turning 19 a couple of weeks ago, I turned 59 instead!

I know the cure! Take a month off then play some rapid-plays. I always find them more fun. Even better is handicap blitz or performing a simul. I did a simul at my club on our first club night in September and I played better then than i ever had before (or since unfortunately). Immensely enjoyable though.

Sounds fun, I might just try that! Thanks

I think good players go off and play in different things, I was talking to a 200 + player in the local league and a thought he had near retired, but he had played a Yorkshire league match on the Saturday, then a Yorkshire match of the Sunday, and also started his hand at the corresponance chess. So I think sometimes we just see less of them and think they have gone.

For me the main reasons why I don't play as much as I used to (down to about 60 a year from 100) are fewer opportunities, there's a lot more solely grading limited tournaments out there than there used to be, and over-familiarity with opponents. Board 1s tend to be more fixed than the other boards, and Opens are much smaller so I just seem to play the same people over and over again. I have tried going further afield, but then the extra traveling is a pain.

I know my best friend Nick stopped playing chess on request of his local league because he only played in the individuals and was too strong at 219, the year after stopping playing two 200+ players joined and lefted because there was no one to play of any strength. Chess is strange, sometimes the league gives you what you ask for one year after you asked it.