I mean the proof of the pudding is in the eating. In others words: it‘s up to you. I started relatively late and have been doing it my way.
@petri999 that’s great to hear! I am just not so lucky I guess
Historical late starters :- Kenneth Ray Smith, FIDE master, of Smith-Morra Gambit fame, learned chess at 19.
Mikhail Chigorin, who only learned the moves at 16 and became serious at 24. 5 years later he was playing in the top tournaments.
Howard Staunton at 26. 7 years later he was the unofficial world champion.
Harry Nelson Pillsbury at 16 and just 2 years later beat World Champion Steinitz 2-1 in an exhibition match.
Johannes Zukertort at 18. In 1871 he defeated Anderssen in a match, aged 29.
Janis Mileika at 18. Master title 16 years later.
Mikhail Chigorin, who only learned the moves at 16 and became serious at 24. 5 years later he was playing in the top tournaments.
Howard Staunton at 26. 7 years later he was the unofficial world champion.
Harry Nelson Pillsbury at 16 and just 2 years later beat World Champion Steinitz 2-1 in an exhibition match.
Johannes Zukertort at 18. In 1871 he defeated Anderssen in a match, aged 29.
Janis Mileika at 18. Master title 16 years later.
OK, here is my (not chess) example of what a really late starter can achieve. I'v started kyokushin karate after being 40. I got my 1st Dan 3 years ago. I'm 57 now.
The main difference compared to gain FM title is the process. As @BarryAttack wrote you can get FM only participating in competitions. This is a HUGE difference. I mean for an adult not trained in competitions before in younger age. I don't think it is impossible. But can be really hard.
The main difference compared to gain FM title is the process. As @BarryAttack wrote you can get FM only participating in competitions. This is a HUGE difference. I mean for an adult not trained in competitions before in younger age. I don't think it is impossible. But can be really hard.
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