FM Selim Citak on How a Spontaneous Decision to Return to OTB Chess Led to Him Earning the IM Title

[@francois_bahia]

This was a fantastic interview. Super inspiring!

[@ozgur_akman]

Thanks for hosting Selim, an incredible adult improver story.

[@perpetualchesspodcast9143]

Thanks Ozgur for suggesting Selim- great guest!

[@sercanulucan7713]

Thanks to Selim for his contribution to Turkish chess. We believe he'll gain the GM title in the future. Thank you Ben for having him and sharing his inspiring story.

[@NON_biodegradable]

Helal olsun selim hocam ❤

[@himmetobut38]

Great interview and I am positively surprised to see Selim on this channel. I didn't know he spoke english so fluently. Nice to see that he can express himself so well.

[@perpetualchesspodcast9143]

Yes, his English is fantastic and he's a great story teller!

[@MrSupernova111]

Interesting. But this is another player that was already a master and playing at or near his goal before he quit. He was rated 2390 in 2012 and his rating dropped into the 2100s 10 years later when he decided to regain his rating. I would love to see a real adult amateur to master story. A 1500-1700 player (let's say 30+ years old) get to NM or FM would be a real improvement story.

[@perpetualchesspodcast9143]

Would be happy to interview such a player if you are aware of one! (But I also don't think the challenge of Selim regaining so many points should be diminished)

[@MrSupernova111]

@@perpetualchesspodcast9143 . No doubt. Selim deserves all the credit for his accomplishments. But as an amateur we always hope to see someone defy the odds and show that we don't have to start at or near master level to earn a title. Maybe I'll do it to show that it can be done.