🎯 Goal: Become a Chess Grandmaster
GM Requirements: 3 GM norms + 2500 Elo rating
Timeline: 8–12 years is optimal for major progress; aim for GM before 16–18.
🗓️ Suggested Tournament Scheduling Plan (Yearly)
Local & State-Level Tournaments (Monthly)
Purpose: Gain practical experience, build confidence, and improve rating.
Frequency: 1–2 tournaments per month
Examples:
District chess championships
School & club level competitions
National-Level Tournaments (Quarterly)
Purpose: Exposure to stronger players, earn national ranking.
Examples:
National Sub-Junior (U-9, U-11) Championships
National Schools Chess Championship
Target: Top 5 finishes or medals
FIDE-Rated Tournaments (Every 2 Months)
Purpose: Build FIDE rating (goal: 2000+ by age 10)
Requirement: Must have FIDE ID (register via local chess federation)
International Youth Tournaments (Twice a Year)
Purpose: Compete globally, earn early norms
Examples:
Asian Youth Chess Championship
World Cadet (U-8, U-10, U-12)
Scheduling Tip: Choose based on performance in nationals
GM/IM Norm Tournaments (Age 10 onwards, 2–4 per year)
Purpose: Norm collection once rating is ~2200+
Examples:
Delhi GM Open
Chennai Grandmaster events
Sharjah/Abu Dhabi/Serbia open tournaments
🧠 Training Integration with Tournaments
Before tournaments: 2–3 weeks of focused preparation (openings, opponent analysis)
After tournaments: 1 week review with coach (game analysis, blunder check)
🧑🏫 Coaching Plan
Daily Training: 2–4 hours (increase gradually)
Coach: FIDE titled coach (IM/GM preferred)
Online platforms: Chess.com, Lichess.org, Chessable, Aimchess
📈 Progress Goals by Age
| Age | Rating Goal | Goal |
| 8 | 1200–1400 | FIDE rated |
| 9 | 1600 | Top 3 in nationals |
| 10 | 2000 | Start IM/GM norm tourneys |
| 12 | 2300 | Candidate Master or WIM |
| 14 | 2400+ | 2 GM norms |
| 16 | 2500 | 3 GM norms & GM title |
✅ Practical Tips
Join a top chess academy (e.g., Chess Gurukul, ChessBase India Academy, Ramesh RB’s Chess Coach)
Play blitz and rapid online (but not excessively)
Have a mix of open tournaments and age-category events
Keep psychological pressure low: Make chess enjoyable
Monitor health, schooling, and travel fatigue
Thanks for reading’
kamaraj
chessnadu.blogspot.com
