Give or take a few years, the successful career of a professional chess player lasts roughly a quarter of a century and goes through four stages. From the time we pick up the game to the early 20s, we are learning how to succeed. Around age 22, things get serious. We decide how big a part chess will play in our lives, and chess professionals are born. In the next decade, the great chess players separate from the large crowd and chess champions emerge. From then on to the age of 40, we reach our peak. After 40 it goes down for those who let it slip; some chess players retire, others hang on and just enjoy the game. But, of course, there are exceptions. The world chess ...

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