Hello. Does the famous 10.000 hours rule apply in chess?

Malcolm Gladwell says that it takes roughly 10.000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in a field. What do you guys think?

Well depends what kind of mastery you want...

I've known guys who have studied chess for 20 years and are not even close to masters.
10,000 hours is something like 10 years if I'm not mistaken right.. also I've heard it's to become an expert, not master.
So yes, you can definatily become an expert at chess with 10 years of study.
But for master or IM or GM I say you also need the genetics. (but I've seen some say anybody can become a master, I don't agree)

and don't anybody bring up the Polgar sisters, that's a special case! :)

I think you need minimal talent and alot of work... chances are if you put in 10k hours you could be master for sure yes. I can name a few that have put in so many hours I don't understand how they still haven't given up

Smart training can reduce it significantly .

www.fastcodesign.com/3027564/asides/scientists-debunk-the-myth-that-10000-hours-of-practice-makes-you-an-expert

I still say after 10k of proper study anybody can become an expert (not master).

With 10,000 hours you might master opening theory.

#3

@CafeMorphy

I believe anybody who frees their mind can be a master and everybody is capable of doing it but rarely people are willing to let go of enough false beliefs.

Opening your mind in chess can be connected to opening your mind in real life, and real life is full of things most people would rather not see.

Ofcourse it might be rare, I know many masters who are pretty much a sleep when it comes to anything else than chess.

Practicing 3 hours a day for about 9 years, will get you somewhere, I guess.