GMs: Not the only players who can wow us!
For this blog post, I would like to talk about masters, GMs and Super GMs.
Most of us low-level class players can't fathom what it's like to be a real master, much less a GM rated over 2700. What I do know is that because of engines and the widespread popularity of chess due to the internet, we tend to give any players but the strongest of GMs (say, top ten) a scoff. I have seen this time and again on chess sites—and I've been around.
Yes, any GM approaching or past the rating of 2800 is clearly a monster—the world's best and there is no doubt. But does that mean a 2300 can't play a really thought-provoking game? I bet dollars to donuts most of you reading this post would lose every battle at every time control against the average active FM or IM. I have defeated FMs and IMs, sure, here and there, mostly in speed chess or simuls. But would I defeat them in a match? No! Not even a "weak" IM is going to lose a match of ten games to me.
It's awesome to be able to sign onto Chess.com and follow the world's elite—it truly is! But don't discount the lesser-known masters. Even an NM from the USA, a 2200 rated player, is super strong in the grand scheme of things.
Speaking of which, here's a fun little trivia for you: Less than 1% of all rated chess players break 2200 and become a true master. Less than 1%. At any given time, only about 0.3% of all registered FIDE players hold a grandmaster title. And, if you are active on any chess playing sites, you'll know there are thousands and thousands and thousands of players.
Which means, of course, that someone on Chess.com playing bullet who is rated "only" 2300 is going to put on quite a show—sometimes more of one than those rated at or around 3000. Nobody is going to stop following Naka or Carlsen or Naroditsky or Hansen or Hambleton around, and I'm not saying to do that. But if you are up late and check to see which biggies are on and there are only "lowly" 2300 and 2400s because the site is a bit slow at that moment? Go watch. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how unbelievably strong these players are.
Happy chessing!
