Becoming a Chess Pro: Pros and Cons |
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Wednesday, 28 September 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
by Natalia Pogonina for her Chess.com Tuesday column I have been playing chess professionally from my childhood, and most of my friends are also pros. Quite often amateurs send me emotional messages stating they are willing to start training intensively in order to become a grandmaster, and even move to Russia to ensure best results! Lets try to objectively review the pros and cons of such intentions. Why is being a professional chess player great? Strong character. To turn into a skilled chess player, you will have to work a lot not only on your chess, but on psychology. Become hard-working, persistent, self-confident, patient, accurate, objective; improve your memory and analytical skills, as well as develop other important personal qualities. Free schedule. This doesnt mean that you can afford to do nothing at all. However, you wont have to go to the office each day and put up with your boss demands. Sightseeing. As a rule, most pros travel a lot. Those who dont like to spend too much time in one place and love new impressions would likely appreciate the so-called chess tourism. Professional longevity. Unlike in most other sports, one can play chess at top level even at 40+. The upcoming WC match between Anand (42) and Gelfand (43) is a bright proof. Older grandmasters are not in contention for the title, but they can still remain eminent figures on the chess landscape. 80-year old Viktor Korchnoi, who is still playing quite actively and well, is the best example. Cons Financial problems. Most chess players dont have regular earnings, neither do they make much money. When you are young and successful and (possibly) supported by your parents or college, things may look bright. If something goes wrong, life can become tough. Of course, as I have already mentioned, you can keep playing as long as youre alive. Often its a forced step to take, as chess players dont have pensions or retirement programs. Neither are they (with a few exceptions) as financially successful as top soccer, basketball or hockey stars, who can save up millions during their prime years. Severe competition. Its very hard to reach a level at which you can play chess for a living. Normally it takes decades, and you have to start very early. Otherwise, its very hard to catch up.
A different advice goes to adults who would like to switch to being a chess pro. So far by chess professional we implied a person who plays chess for a living. However, this is not the only possible definition. For example, one can talk about professional attitude towards something or professionalism, i.e. diligently and regularly studying chess and improving ones game. Dont rush. If you fall in love with chess, dont quit your job right away and offer all your money to a chess coach. Start off by playing tournaments for some time during vacations. This will put your feelings towards chess to a test, and help estimate your potential. Before becoming a chess professional its advisable to become financially secure and come up with a backup plan. If you can afford taking risks and know that you can always rewind, the venture of chess professionalism would be much safer for you and your family. Todays game will feature my confrontation from the Russian Superfinal11 with Alisa Galliamova, two-times runner-up at the Womens World Chess Championship and one of the most experienced, professional and strongest female players in the world.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 28 September 2011 ) |
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