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Strategies for Improvement?

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The_Fpawn

I've played Chess.com for around 5 years now (Through different accounts) and have played chess without for almost 8, but over years now, hundreds of games, semi-constant play (When given free-time during Highschool) and being one of the best players in my (Middle) school, I've seen 0 improvement with my skill in the game, as indicated by no meaningful change in ELO (Rating). And so I've never been able to raise my Rapid (10 min) rating as high as 1000, the average for chess players.

I'm looking for strategies to improve my ability to play chess - Not something to instantly improve my ability like reading through and learning openings, I want methods of play or other games entirely that build the skills needed for chess through a long period of practice and repetition.

My main problems are a lack of long-term planning strategies, occasional tunnel vision, and anxiety during endgames. If anybody has anything helpful to note, it'd be highly appreciated.

xDamkiller

I always observe the board. I don't calculate, or focus on something. I look what each piece does and purpose what piece can do or not basically I'm getting a general image. Once that I'm calculating a concrete thing Or trying to create a plan. And after all of that, I play move. You don't even have to calculate just observe the position see how everything is placed and purpose

xDamkiller

Other than that obvious advice but at this point, you know what I will say. BRO JUST SOLVE PUZZLES (i hate that obvious advice)

xDamkiller

You know how strong players calculate find a canditate move, Play in your head, when observe again, play canditate move for opponent, when observe. Until you think that's enough

TheTrueUgospel
The_Fpawn wrote:

I've played Chess.com for around 5 years now (Through different accounts) and have played chess without for almost 8, but over years now, hundreds of games, semi-constant play (When given free-time during Highschool) and being one of the best players in my (Middle) school, I've seen 0 improvement with my skill in the game, as indicated by no meaningful change in ELO (Rating). And so I've never been able to raise my Rapid (10 min) rating as high as 1000, the average for chess players.

I'm looking for strategies to improve my ability to play chess - Not something to instantly improve my ability like reading through and learning openings, I want methods of play or other games entirely that build the skills needed for chess through a long period of practice and repetition.

My main problems are a lack of long-term planning strategies, occasional tunnel vision, and anxiety during endgames. If anybody has anything helpful to note, it'd be highly appreciated.

@The_Fpawn

Anxiety can be reduce psychologically. Practice endgames often until you can win them.

Tunnel Vision can be avoided by thorough calculation and scanning the board for tactics and strategies. Solving puzzles helps with this.

Knowing the requirements for a good chess position and weaknesses in positions help to formulate strategies.

borovicka75
Play for one account. Why did you play for different accouts? You was banned for cheating?
ppandachess

Hey there,

I am rated over 2400 online (https://www.chess.com/member/ppandachess). I created a free course that will teach you a training plan to improve. Feel free to check it out: https://www.panda-chess.com/daily-improvement-plan

Jordi_Agost

Improving at chess is a journey that combines learning, practice, and reflection. One of the key strategies is to study your games carefully, especially the losses, because they offer the most valuable lessons. When reviewing your games, try to understand not just the moves you missed, but the ideas behind those moves. This can help you avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Another important aspect is consistency. Play regularly, but not just for the sake of playing—try to focus on quality over quantity. Each game should have a purpose, whether it’s to practice a particular opening, improve your endgame skills, or work on your tactics.

Speaking of tactics, working on puzzles and drills can significantly sharpen your calculation and pattern recognition abilities. Incorporating daily or frequent tactical exercises helps build the muscle memory needed for quick and accurate decisions during games.

Opening study is also valuable, but it’s important not to overemphasize it, especially at lower levels. Understanding the principles behind the opening moves—such as controlling the center, developing your pieces, and ensuring king safety—is more crucial than memorizing long move sequences. Over time, you can gradually deepen your opening repertoire based on what works for you.

Endgames, on the other hand, are often underestimated but can be a game-changer. Having a solid understanding of basic endgames can convert many drawn or lost positions into wins, so make sure to spend time learning key endgame concepts.

Lastly, mindset plays a huge role. Stay curious, patient, and open to learning. Chess improvement is not linear, and progress can feel slow at times, but persistence and a positive attitude toward the learning process will go a long way. Balancing your enjoyment of the game with disciplined study will keep you motivated and steadily improving over time.