Do you have to study chess theory?

"Do you have to study chess theory in order to be a good player?"

You sure do. Fortunately you don't have to learn it all in one sitting. Start small, create attainable goals for yourself (e.g. "I want to memorize and understand one line in my favorite opening"), then build on those goals ("I want to learn what to do in my favorite opening after black plays x").

I have basic understanding of Gruenfeld and Najdorf. I learned it after 10 years.

Nope, not me. I already did!

Theory is a crutch for the player who lacks imagination and positional understanding.

@TripHopKniGHts said in #6:
> Theory is a crutch for the player who lacks imagination and positional understanding.
And factually incorrect polemic platitudes are crutches for the player who lacks the ability to get beyond 1800.

It's a misunderstanding that you study opening theory as a crash course. And you sacrifice imagination and creativity. Those who ignore opening theory become defensive players. They rarely get the opportunity to Attack.

@Black-Swan-22 said in #1:
> "Do you have to study chess theory in order to be a good player?"
Until you are a titled player, I don't think you necessarily have to play a move by move theory. Take Sicilian for example. I don't know how much players online or OTB know the slightest difference of move order. It's not all that important I would say for us to spot this small inaccuracy. But in higher level play it might be more important for this knight to be here on this particular move.

Wow! I guess I touched a nerve. Different strokes for different folks. Spend some time looking over the games of master level players and you'll see all kinds.