The Reality of Becoming an IM/GM: What Every Parent and Young Chess Player Must

Nowadays, social media shows us the beautiful side of chess—trophies, medals, rating gains, championship photos, and success stories. But very few people talk about the years of struggle, sacrifices, financial burden, emotional pressure, failures, and uncertainty that come before those achievements.

I have spent 17+ years in chess as both a player and a coach. During this journey, I have seen talented children become titled players, talented children quit the game, and many families struggle because they entered professional chess without fully understanding what it demands.One thing I have learned is this:

Professional chess is not simply about talent. It is not simply about finding a good coach. It is not simply about working hard.
It is a lifestyle that demands years of dedication, discipline, sacrifice, emotional resilience, financial commitment, and unwavering passion for the game.

This article is not about how to become a Grandmaster. There are thousands of books, videos, and courses that can teach you chess.
This article is about something even more important.

It is about whether you and your family are truly prepared for the journey before deciding to make chess your career.

I am not writing this article to motivate you.
I am not writing this article to discourage you either.
I am writing it because I believe parents and young players deserve the truth before making one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

Too many families enter professional chess believing that hard work alone guarantees success.
It doesn't.

Hard work is essential.
But by itself, it is not enough.

If, after reading this article, your desire to pursue professional chess becomes even stronger, then you are making that decision with open eyes—not because someone sold you a dream, but because you understand the reality.

The purpose of this article is simple:
I don't want to tell you how to become a Grandmaster.
I want to help you decide whether pursuing the Grandmaster journey is the right decision for you and your family in the first place.

If this article helps even one family make a better decision—whether that decision is to pursue professional chess or not—then I will consider it worthwhile.

To be continued...
Next : The Child's Curiosity and Passion for the Game