EP 403- IM-Elect Selim Citak on How a Spontaneous Decision to Return to OTB Chess Led to Him Earning the IM Title at Age 39

“Coming back to classical chess was the best decision of my life,” Selim said.  IM-elect Selim Citak came out of semi-retirement on a whim a few years ago, needing one more norm and some more FIDE rating points, in order to earn the IM title. Selim quickly discovered that adjustments were necessary, as his rating plummeted from over 2300 to 2150 while he grappled with the stronger new generation of chess players. Through hard work, sacrifice, and psychological adjustments, Selim turned things around and gained the 250 FIDE points and final norm necessary to earn the IM title at age 39! In our conversation, Selim shares his remarkable story, along with plenty of chess improvement advice. Selim is very active in the Turkish chess scene as an author, Chessable author and commentator.  He joined me just after attending the Olympiad as a second to young star GM Yagiz Erdogmus. Selim also shared what makes GM Ediz Gurel and him such special talents, and why Turkey is a potential rising chess power. This was an inspiring conversation of personal chess revival, so be sure to tune in.

1:30- IM-elect Selim Citak joins me: He discusses his chess origins and why did he returned to tournament chess in 2022. 

Mentioned: GM Suat Atalik, GM Mikhail Gurevich

Selim’s FIDE graph:

https://ratings.fide.com/profile/6301819/chart

22:00- Selim describes his study routine

Mentioned: GM Evgeny Romanov 

28:00- Selim’s approach to openings 

35:00- Selim’s study routine, and how he pays for the expenses 

Mentioned: Sorcerer’s Apprentice by GM David Bronstein 

43:00- Does Selim play a lot online chess? 

49:00- Selim’s next goals

53:00- Selim’s helped GM Erdogmus at the Olympiad. He reflects on the experience and Turkey’s status as a potential future chess powerhouse. 

Mentioned: GM Ediz Gurel, GM Yağız Erdoğmuş

1:10:00- Selim’s advice for getting unstuck. 

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