Am i good at chess now???

@Celestial_Object I disagree with your entire premise. I have worked 60+ hrs a week and still managed to play decent chess. I don't think that one has to do with the other. To say that 'ratings are unreliable indicators of skill level' is simply preposterous. Also, CO, you should strive to play stronger players. Always. That's how you improve.

While 'lifestyle' and 'circumstances' may have *some* bearing on play, it sounds like an excuse to me. "My arm hurted when we played that game, and I missed Bxf7#. Not my fault."

I dunno. I don't see any truth in this statement: "In short, a 1400 player can beat 1800 players consistently on a good day." Bullshit. "Consistently on a good day" is totally contradictory.

I am sincerely not trying to be rude. But man, this sounds so whiny, like, "Well, I'm framing houses all day, of course you're beating me!" Nah, don't hold water.

And as far as the OP goes, YES as far as the general population goes, you're 'good' at chess. Congrats babe!

MR

@Microraver @Celestial_Object
Tiredness will make you blunder more easily (especially in blitz) so of course lots of physical work can lower your performance. But it won't have an effect on more profound understanding of positions, strategies and techniques, and generally a 1800 player will handle these better than a 1400 player.

@laatikko Very cogent reply. I agree totally. I think, though, that we can also agree that blitz is not a really accurate indicator of chess 'understanding', as you say.

MR

take it 1 step at a time. aim for 1500.. then 1600.. 1700.. 1800 and so on.

the faster you improve the better

@Microraver I agree to a certain extent that blitz is not an "accurate indicator of chess 'understanding' - I think it is, insofar as it correlates to one's intuition. A strong player who has developed a subconscious understanding of tactical patterns and positional motifs will be able to intuit things that a weaker player wouldn't be able to on the fly.

I think I should post some of my games to see where it goes
ill post some of my best games and some of my worst one game a 2300 gave me a free knight for the ratings compensation