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Scared I'm Improving Too Fast...

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mongbii
I started playing chess 3 months ago and I have gotten 1200 elo (rapid) in a very short time. (Never played Blitz or Bullet) I'm delighted but at the same time I'm afraid I'm not learning enough and I'll get stuck. ( I also suffered some losing steaks which is what really scared me). I have never studied one opening fully and also never studied much of the endgame. Do I keep going like this or should I start studying openings and endgames ?
AshuThon

Then lose a lot of games and start learning from every where from books YouTube content paid courses

AshuThon

It's a journey and you'll taste bitter part too and you'll have good times too

landloch

If you are getting crushed in a specific opening, then study that opening. If you getting crushed in endgames, then study endgames. Otherwise study tactics. Or just play, if that's whats most fun for you! 🙂

s-hikamaru

I would recommend learning one or two openings each, for white and black. Really study them, figure out possible variations, and middlegame opportunities. Then, only play those openings. You can stick with this until you get to about 1600 or so, or until you want to learn more openings. In terms of endgames, learn how to mate with just rook, with just queen, and with bishop and knight. Also learn some common mating patterns. Remember that in the endgame your goal is to create a passed pawn and promote, so try to protect your passed pawns and prevent your opponent from promoting.

Otherwise, do lots and lots of puzzles. Tactics and board vision are important, especially if you don't know much theory, so do tons of puzzles. Also brush up on your opening principles if that's something you struggle with.

Caffeineed
Oh look at me!! I’m too good for my own good!
sad_gurrl

Interesting flex.

codecalmchess

Keep going, you will hit real resistance soon enough. Don't worry about learning openings, until you really need it.

People at beginner level often think of learning openings as some kind of holy grail, but it's overrated.

For endgames, just learn basic checkmating and practice basic pawn endgames. Once you hit 1400-1500, start taking it more serious.

mikewier

If your goal is to become a better chessplayer, be sure to join an in-person club and start to study endgames and basic chess principles. That will give you a better sense of your actual chess skill and provide a clearer idea about what areas you need to improve.

ChessMasteryOfficial

At your level, playing more games will naturally improve your pattern recognition and tactical awareness. The best learning often happens when you’re in the game and applying new ideas. Don’t worry too much if you haven’t memorized specific openings or endgames yet; gaining experience in various positions will serve you well.