Hi guys,
The best way to improve is to play opponents that are stronger than you. Of course you can improve your game by studying. But for a learning experience nothing beats a good ass-whoping. I would recommend you stay within 300 rating points. Above that your opponent is just too much better than you are.
Watch your backrank.
Chef,
You need, at least, an openings encyclopedia like BCO (Batsford Chess Openings), or an openings database. I have played the Cambridge Springs for 45 years, and a few other openings for quite a long time. I don't really need those things (and don't have them). You won't be playing at a very high level without some knowledge of the openings. Even Capablanca had to study a few.
I've been playing chess since I was about 10 years old and I've been on Chess.com for about 5 months. I truly enjoy playing and usually have about 5 or 6 games going at any given time. My question to all the members out there, especially those who are higher ranked or who have competed on some level is this: Is it unrealistic to assume that I will get better with out studying or reading or taking on a coach of some sort? Although I enjoy playing and believe that I can see several moves in advance on either side of the board, I lose much more often than I win. How do I improve my game?