Some time ago I reached a point in Chess where I could go toe-to-toe with National Masters. It was around that time when I realized the game, while still tactically based, became more about assorted memorization of patterns. I still enjoy playing, yet my love was for the puzzle and finding a way my opponent hadn’t yet seen. That knowledge, and my natural desire to continue improving, actually eroded my desire to continue, and I fell off since.
Just the way it is, and it isn’t even really about winning; it’s about my own reason to improve. That end goal just seems so…predefined.
You are in good company (of sorts). Magnus Carlsen got tired of that level of memorization/preparation, so decided to not defend his world championship. He now plays WILD chess, that does not require memorization. He forces players out of their preparation. He loves the tactical side, and is attempting to force it.
Some time ago I reached a point in Chess where I could go toe-to-toe with National Masters. It was around that time when I realized the game, while still tactically based, became more about assorted memorization of patterns. I still enjoy playing, yet my love was for the puzzle and finding a way my opponent hadn’t yet seen. That knowledge, and my natural desire to continue improving, actually eroded my desire to continue, and I fell off since.
Just the way it is, and it isn’t even really about winning; it’s about my own reason to improve. That end goal just seems so…predefined.
You are in good company (of sorts). Magnus Carlsen got tired of that level of memorization/preparation, so decided to not defend his world championship. He now plays WILD chess, that does not require memorization. He forces players out of their preparation. He loves the tactical side, and is attempting to force it.