Can Adults Really Improve at Chess?

There's a lot of talk about whether adults can really improve at chess.

Instead of giving a motivational speech, I'm just going to present some cold hard stats.

This is from a Chess.com article. It's important to note that there wasn't a lot of data for children under ten so the article mainly looked at aged 10-19 and then 20+.

The average improvement is higher for ages 10-19, but adults aren't that far behind.

National Master Todd Bryant examined the data of adults over the age of 25 to see the average rating gain.

While the improvement rate is generally lower, adults can and do gain rating. He found over a thousand instances where an adult gained more than 200 Fide or USCF points. Generally, classical chess is harder to improve than blitz. Anecdotally, there are many instances of adults gaining an impressive amount of online rating.

For example, content creator Kamryn Helman went from 0-2000 in online rapid after only two years.

Why adults don't improve as quickly

• There are several concrete reasons why adults don't improve as quickly as kids and it has nothing to do with intelligence.

• Kids generally have more time to study chess

• Kids don't have a work schedule

• Generally, the kids who are competing have their parents pay for events

• Kids usually don't have ego tied to their improvement

• If a kid shows promise they may receive more resources and encouragement

There are other reasons people have suggested, such as brain plasticity, but the effect that has on chess isn't proven.

How adults can improve

Speed of improvement may not be the primary motive for you. A lot of people simply play chess because they enjoy it. Some don't see the need to study, and others feel like they will get more enjoyment from it if they're actively getting better. Others treat it as a goal to reach, like training for a marathon. There is no right way to enjoy chess.

No matter your goals, these tips will help you escape some of the issues adults have when it comes to studying:

• Block out a realistic amount of time per day (or week) to study chess. Don't be optimistic. It's better to aim lower and then add more time if you can. A lot of people will set a high goal, and if they don't meet it they will just stop studying altogether. Even if it's just one hour a week, having that block of time will help.

• Follow a plan. It's hard to know what to study when you're starting out, and many people default to online chess and doing puzzles. While both are helpful, they won't alone create huge improvements. Having a plan to follow is what you're here for I would assume!

• Don't attach any self-worth to your rating. So many people quit because they start a gain, tilt cycle with their rating. If you feel bad every time your rating is lower, and only enjoy chess to see the number go up, it will be very difficult to stay motivated. This is a goal, and the journey is what's helping you, not the results.

• Don't just study the things you enjoy, or feel that you are good at. One of the best ways to improve is to work on your weaknesses. Try to read some lessons and practice even if you don't enjoy the particular skill.

You've already begun your journey to improvement just by being here. Enjoying chess is the most important part 🥰