Chess Is War

Chess Is War is a personal chess blog that documents one player's serious attempt to achieve chess mastery starting from scratch as an adult. The author began their journey in June 2025 at age 50, committing publicly to a structured improvement plan with a specific target: reaching a Lichess Classical rating of 2000 to 2100.

What makes the blog distinct is the honesty. There is no pretense of fast progress or easy wins. The author tracks training hours, game counts, rating swings, and the unglamorous reality of starting a complex game later in life. Posts cover book reviews, study plans, correspondence chess, blindfold chess development, and periodic progress reports after milestones like 500 classical games on Lichess.

The site follows a "Highway to Mastery" philosophy: methodical, consistent, and long-term. The author shares their full study plan publicly and has a newsletter for readers who want to follow along. There is also a support section for those who want to contribute to the project as it builds toward becoming a self-sustaining platform.

For adult improvers, Chess Is War is one of the more relatable resources online. Most chess improvement content targets younger players with more time to study. This blog speaks directly to the adult beginner navigating real-life constraints while still pursuing meaningful improvement. It is part progress diary, part practical resource, and part honest account of what long-term chess development actually looks like.