Did some high-level chess player learn alone

@NeverBeenTimid

You were not treated nicely, but you also deserved it with the arrogant statement. I was not sure where the competition lies, or how you measure how good you are, therefore I was not going in your point. But in any case, beeing in top ten, or even Top 25 is pretty a big chunk. You sure you are that good?

Let me give you an example. I studied chess for 17 years, about 1-2 hours per day. Starting with 8 years, and I am 25 right now. I am playing regular chess in german and austrian 1st leagues, I met and played against vachier lagrave (#2 to that time), navara, legends shirov and Ivanchuk. I bet you do not even know the names I am talking about. And after all this study (17 years) I am proud to call myself an IM. Also I regularly compete against equal opponents to prove and hold my position, which is about 3200 in the world I think. And I did not proclaim it myself, it is the FIDE who gave me my ELO and everyone who I am competing against agrees on that system, aswell as on their rating and their position in the world list.
Next point is, I myself have never played racing kings. And also I have not idea of the rules right now. But at the same time I can tell that it has something to do with chess. Aka, how the pieces move, how to choose strategy, calculating and evaluating positions. It is still a chess variation and I am generally good in chess myself. So I might be able to learn it, if I want to. I just do not see any reason to do it, since I focus on other aspects which are far more interesting to me. But I was interesting in King of the Hill on that site, where I was Top 10 for a long time when I was still active and also #2 in 3-check. I do not claim to be the god of it, I just liked the variations, and I played them. Also, I was only good amongst lichess competitors, not more, not less. I do NOT BRAG about beeing #2 of the world in it, which I am obviously not.
So you can see, MAgnus Carlsen, the world Champion, is the best in classical chess. He is also the Rapid Champion. And he very often also is the Blitz Champion. Sure, there are smaller upsets, like #2, Nemomniachi is 'only' Top 50 in classical. Also there is a GM Bortnyk who has 'only 2500' Elo and still is Top 10 in blitz. But, he is still a top Tier chess player. And there is a correlation.
AS FOR YOU, you are, in my eyes, shit in chess. The pupils I am training, 12 years old, are as good as you are. And they are humble enough not to brag about anything. And that is normal. But you, my friend, with your arrogance are the worst. You hvae no stats to prove your point (any championchips won?-anything?). At best lichess rating. And I even would claim to beat you easily, which I will prove without any problems if we will play for money, otherwise I see no intention for me to learn this variation. You claim to be the best, not the best amongst the few guys who play it. Then you also have to beat Carlsen, me and all 3200 guys ahead of me in the classical Elo rating if they decide to challenge you. And I bet you cannot.
All the words previous to that might be hurtfull, but the way you present yourself you are disrespectful to all chess players. Including myself, who spent 17 years of hard work. YOu make fun of me by claiming you are better in your variation, just because you like it and put some work in it. That are the real words that hurt. You are the scum here

I‘ve played 200 classical tournaments within 30 years and no–one in the scene ever mentioned those weird variants which are offered at lichess. We sometimes talk there about mountainbiking, hiking and fishing, probably I am in Top10 in MTB–hiking–fishing chess...

Back to the topic, most things in chess I gathered myself by studying various sources plus 10.000+ hours of playing.

A lot of strong players are entirely self-taught. ChessNetwork is a good example. I think it's definitely possible in the age of computer engines and the internet.

@Strategymaster Congratulations on being an IM. I am not going to rubbish your title so please don't rubbish my trophy. We both worked hard to achieve our different goals. There is no need to be hurtful and call me names.

Why don't you just stay away from topics that are way over your head Timid? This coy business of "calling you names" is hurtful doesn't fly, coming from the guy who is permanently banned from CC after a year of calling mods, members, contributors every bad name under the sun (with 100's of different accounts). This is all documented, including admissions on your part in the chesscom rejects team forum here at lichess.

lichess.org/forum/team-chesscom-rejects/lets-formulate-a-plan?page=1

Now, you rightfully deserve the criticism messed out. You insult and mock every top rated player who has worked very hard to achieve their standing. Socialize with your wannabe team members, who all have similar trolling interests. You want to manipulate your RK rating, go ahead, but nobody believes for a second you posses any special chess skills.

Of, btw. I see you finally played your 1st 5-0 live RK game.
Got crushed. Acpl up off the charts. Not like your usual Acpl of <10 in RK correspondence. The game was Unrated. LOL. Too scared to play a rated live game?

#24 Trophy of what pls? Amongst the few members who play your variation you are the best on this site? YOU did claim yourself you are the best in the whole world. And that you 'earned' this trophy. What trophy pls? Some rating? You can be proud of your achievements, but do not rub them in MY (or someone elses face). Or if you do it, at least prove your point. You claim is to be amongst 25 IN THE WHOLE WORLD. Not europe, not your team, not lichess, but the world. And that does include me, carlsen and every single titled chess player there exist. And all I did notice is that you only can play correspondence games against weaker opponents to 'prove' your point.
Let me make it clear. I did held the inofficial world championship in that variation at my home yesterday. The price money was 1 Mio €. Well, I won. So that makes me the best one out there right? And now explain pls to me, what does that make me any less of a world champion, as your claim to be in the top 25?

My claim is, on this platform ONLY, amongst the guys who are INTERESTED in this variation you can reliably win against lesser good players, and only on your game terms. If you feel proud, pls do so. But if you think that is enough to rub it into my face, then you are an idiot and I will rightfully call you that way. Since I am pretty certain this will cope into the definition of an idiot and therefore it is a right statement rather than an insult

Lol this escalated pretty damn quickly.

It's fun, keep arguing plox *grabs popcorn*

You can view my trophy here - @neverbeentimid

I didn't mean to rub my achievements in your face. At least not intentionally. I only answered the OPs question. I honestly have no idea what I said that has made you so upset?

I'm sure others here don't want to witness two of the top players on this site attack each other like this so I'll just wish you the very best with your chess and any variant you decide to play. Take care.

two of the top players

Well, I will call GMs title fellows of mine in future. ;) At least we play chess and not a ‚chess’ variant like chess–pieces long throw.