Today’s question is one that has been asked many times. While I am perhaps not in the best position to give an accurate answer, I will definitely try my best:
Salutations Chess Doctor,
I have a question that I would be ever so glad to have answered. I picked up chess at the age of 40, and after five years have not progressed past the novice level. My question is: how does one go about improving seriously in chess (even just to 2000 USCF) as a member of the older crowd?
A very good question indeed. There are obvious deficiencies that arise as you age (e.g. less stamina, various life responsibilities such as work, etc.), but there are a few suggestions that come to mind.
For one thing, at later stages I think it is very important to take an occasional half point bye. In a long tournament (probably about five rounds), it is often more important to conserve energy than get an extra game in. Also, it seems basic but knowing your openings well can really give you a big advantage over your opponent, and leave you with lots of time to navigate the later stages of the game.
While all of this is well and good, there will inevitably come moments when you miss something big. When you play a move that is simply terrible in every possible way. All I can say is, keep studying as much as possible, keep working at it and eventually improvement will come. I truly believe that, with enough work, anybody who’s brain is wired for it can become at least 2000+ at any age, if not a master.
Before wrapping up I would like to cite one of the many examples of older players showing tremendous improvement. In 2014 the renowned teacher and publisher Fred Wilson was somewhat stuck at the high 2000 level (and had been for at least 10 years). Apparently he made a commitment to improve, as within three years he crossed the 2200 mark.
This appears to make him at the very least the second oldest player to become a National Master. For all older readers, follow in the path of players such as Mr. Wilson! Improvement is possible, it just becomes more challenging as time goes by, and chess players are all about overcoming challenges.
I hope this helps answer your question. All readers are welcome to submit chess related quandaries through the button below. Thanks as always for reading!
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