Question of the day:
Should a champion (can be in any sport, including chess) continue to play way past his/her prime (in chess 50’s and 60’s maybe?), with terrible results, just to collect pay checks? Or should they retire with grace & dignity?
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
They should play until their ratings reach 2200.
I do not believe you can make a blanket statement for other people of how they want to handle their chess. They worked for that level of play and if they want to continue playing then that is their call.
If they enjoy playing they should keep doing it. Don´t worry about the results, you had them in the past, just enjoy the game!
There’s a third option: continue playing for the love of the game. Example: I wouldn’t mind seeing Federer play well past his prime. I think he will. And not for the paycheck.
I dont think its anyone’s damn call except the player themselves.
I played my best chess in highschool and then had a life changing health injury. My chess play never recovered but its my bloody call if i want to keep playing or put the chess pieces away.
As long as no one is able to unseat them no matter what silly twats think they remain the champion. No one can beg or whine or cry to be world champion they have to earn it.
There is little doubt what the most graceful thing would be but if they need the money, hey, let them continue to compete. People are waaay to interested in what other people do; concentrate on your own life first.
If the player can earn a living playing chess, why not? Most people as they age slow down and are not as efficient as they used to be, but in some cases experience offsets this loss to some extent. In any case everyone is entitled to earn a living.
A Champion should play until he’s defeated or just doesn’t feel like playing anymore. Just my opinion.
Mike Magnan
a player should play until he doesn’t like it anymore.
Who are we to comment on when sportspeople should retire or not, it will be survival of the fittest, if someone does choose to play past his/her prime the other competitors in the circuit will outster them.
Also if someone is not at the helm because of another few players who emerged to be better, why should the older guy/gal give up. In fact it will be sad for them to give up at that stage.