Don't give up on your chess journey...

There are times where we feel like giving up. If you enjoy chess and you feel motivated to actually get better. DON'T GIVE UP.

I was stuck in 2100 for 2 years. I wanted to quit.

But I remember how much I love playing chess.

It is not all about beating other players (which is exciting sometimes). It is about to discover all that chess can offer to you.
I wanted to learn more, enjoy more, being able to understand complex books written by Dvorestky.

I remembered how I almost cried by studying the game Topalov - Shirov (Linares, 1998). Beautiful game.

Chess is a passion. You can get fun with it. Getting better actually worth it.
Right now, my online rating is 2300 on chess.com

I want more. However, I appreciate the journey, how much I have grown, and feel excited about all the adventures that await me.

How much do you love this journey? Feel free to share your story below.

I played in OTB tournaments during late 80s and 90s. I quit before 2000 and never played chess again. In 2003 (2004) a chess friend gifted me Fritz 7. I gain my passion for chess and started playing in chesscube. I also played with chess hustlers at the park and they are surprised by my openings and tactics. By 2011, I started playing in chess.com till now.

I love playing chess and I'm thankful I discovered this game!  I started to play in OTB tournaments in highschool.  My first rating was about 700 and I got to 1500 in about two years of playing.  I've been stuck in the 1800-1900s for over 11 years, and this is okay with me.  I enjoy teaching chess to kids and adults! Through chess, I have met some interesting people, include billionaire  Peter Thiel! 

   My website is www.ChessByLauren.com

I wrote a well-thought-out post, but because chess.com doesn't want to come to grips with reality, my post was censored.  I am quitting chess.com.  Goodbye, I hope you guys learn to stop cheaters.  Have a nice day.

I agree it’s been a journey! I started at 500 elo on this site and now I’m 1700+. My goal is to become a NM before I’m 18. 

That’s remarkable you did not quit after being stuck for two years. It’s refreshing and encouraging to hear; thank-you for sharing your  experience.

I liked how you mentioned the words passion, love and journey with chess. I often forget that.

OTB or on chess.com? Going from unrated OTB to 2200+ (NM level I think) is pretty hard...

1700 chess.com. It’s going to be very hard but as long as I have fun I think I will get there.

I'm grappling with 2200 online right now... glad to know it's not just me :)

aha, what a coincidence. Same with me

To 2000-2200 Online players. Can you maintain ratings without studying and solving tactics?

well, I can maintain my rating without studying any MORE tactics... but if I took a break from chess completely for a year.... I wouldn't bet on playing so strongly. I'd have to do tactics several times a month to stay sharp.