I'm really bad at chess

I have always done well in school, and I was usually considered to be one of the "smart kids", I have a very good long term memory and an interest in science, and I guess that's probably why people thought I was smart. But when I started playing chess, I immediately noticed I wasn't very good. Actually, I'm very bad. Do I just have a good memory, and am actually stupid? What can I do to get better (obviously play more, but I mean, what are some learning strategies I could implement to ensure I get the most out of every game)? Is there any hope for me, or should I just accept that I'm not actually smart? Help!

Well, you have been a member here for more than a year. What have you done to learn about chess?

Trial and error is tough. You can learn basic principles from books or videos or lessons that may make you feel smart again 

Not being good at chess doesn't mean you're dumb, it just means you aren't very good at chess. It's true that intelligent people tend to be better than the average person at chess, but that's not always the case

I'm the same way as you. I was really good at school especially mathematics. But I'm mediocre at chess despite playing for a long time.... trying to seriously improve now in my 40s... I have a good long term memory. But poor short term memory. I have trouble visualizing positions ahead (i have improved through practice). I can't imagine playing blindfold chess. Being bad at chess does not mean you're not smart. Intelligence is varied. There isn't one "intelligence". 

How long have you been playing and what have you done to try and improve? Just playing games over and over is only part of it... you must analyze those games... see what you're mistakes were. And consciously make an effort to not repeat those mistakes. 

I don't see a "Daily" rating on your profile... only blitz, bullet and rapid. Maybe play slower games so that you can develop your thought process. Think thoroughly through each move. You need to be able to do it slowly before you can do it fast.

I think long term concentration may be the problem.

lol

at 40+, please check out my new blog:

Playing at 50+ - Chess.com

Please don't take this the wrong way, but what were you thinking here?

8. c3?? simply gives away the pawn and practically forces black to fork your king and rook.  What do you think he was going to do?  You spent 10 seconds on this move.

To me, it seems like your thinking is far more about what you would like to do, rather than thinking about what your opponent might do.

Being a smart person, you're used to being right about everything, and for people not questioning your opinions.  Perhaps this is carrying through to your chess.  In chess, you have to question everything.  Especially as a novice, your instincts are often wrong.  Try assuming that every move you make is a potential losing one and then go about and prove it.

You'll need more than 10 minutes to do this.  Try hour long games or minimum 30 minutes with an increment.  If you can't find opponents, play a bot.

Also, change your username.  "VeryBadPlayer" reinforces your negative feelings towards your play.  Change it to something neutral at the very least.

^^

What you need to learn is analysis and error identification.  Real good computer programmers learn early on how to recognize syntax errors and runtime errors BEFORE they compile and run a program.  Chess is analysis and it's more than looking at something or formulating a plan.  It's recognizing errors in your thinking.   People who play chess think a few moves ahead, but it's not their ability to see a route to victory that kills them - it's failing to see the error in their strategy.

Also, it's a bit naive to assume to be an expert in something complex without any formal training or self-study.  Pick an opening, learn it, practice it for a hundred live games.  Find out what sequence gets you a good position and which moves screw it up.  When you're good at the opening and can win 50% of the time, the learn the mirror image for black. 

In addition, remember that being smart isn't a guarantee for anything.  Unrewarded genuis is a cliche.  What makes a  person succeed is PERSERVERANCE.   It's easy to see why this true if you consider the following: The only difference between a success and a failure is that the successful person was willing to fail one more time.  The failure just gave up.

Furthermore, don't care about your rating.  Did you know the average chess rating for an adult is 900?  When you start playing chess, don't set your spread too high for opponents.  -50 to +100 is a good range.  After you play for 6 months, if you are stuck at a low level and it's driving you nuts, delete your avatar, take a week off, and create a new one.  Taking a break helps and you might find that a fresh start actually improves your game. 

In the final analysis, you won't be happy doing anything until you understand the reason for doing it.  If you want to play chess because you hope to be a grand master, then you need to find out what it takes to achieve that.  If you want to have fun playing chess, then have at it.  You will get better over time at chess.com  I play for fun and to see how my brain is working.  Some days, I'm really sharp and other days, I make more mistakes than usual.  It's interesting.