CFC - If you don't mind, I took a look at some your previous losses. I can make a couple of simple suggestions that might help you game.
First - as white, don't go for Scholar's mate. In the best case scenario, when you pull it off you get a quick victory but learn nothing from the game. Any other time it brings your queen out too early and exposes it to attack - the best response by black for scholar's mate is to develop his minor pieces (knights and bishops) while simultaneously attacking white's queen - this gives black what usually amounts to an overwhelming advantage.
Second - before you make your move, try to completely evaluate any existing threats which might be on your pieces at the time - in the case of threats to multiple pieces, the safest play is usually to either put the enemy king in check with one of your threatened pieces (forcing him to respond to the check and not take your piece) or move your most valued piece to a safer position - preferably one that threatens an opponent's piece. If you do that, then your opponent will have to choose between taking your piece and defending his own and you maintain parity in your game.
Third - before you move, evaluate enemy threats to the square that you intend to occupy before placing your piece there. Sometimes you can consciously put a piece in harm's way if you have that square covered by another piece - this results in an exchange which can be advantageous to you if you set it up correctly.
The more you think about these sorts of very basic tactics, the more you'll be able to see further ahead into the game and start to improve your record.
Oh, and finally, if possible, have a board nearby your computer where you can set up the positions that you're playing, and try playing through different lines before you make a move, making what you believe are the best moves for each side (always assume your opponent will make the best move available). When you've played ahead several moves, figure out which move results in the best resulting position for you, and then make that move.
Take it from someone who used to be very dissatisfied with his rating as well - just a little bit of extra thought into each of your games will make an enormous difference.
-mike
Originally posted by CFCRead his post carefully CFC, there are some good tips in it, I noticed it too in our games, but I didn't said it because at that point my rating was almost even high as yours🙂
Legionaire, As you've looked at my games you must have seen that I'm a pretty careless player who makes stupid mistakes😳 and thus loses the game.
Try playing people that are a little bit better than you, you will learn more than getting trashed by playing top-20 players or beating a 3-digit player.
When you encounter a move that seems strange (or every other move) do not think: 'What can I do?' but, 'What can HE do?'
Take some time with your moves, you have all the time!
Good luck with it, my friend!
Olav
Originally posted by latex bishopit's Zak (never mind, people always get that wrong)
Zach,
Is Dave back under his old nick, or have you just challenged him hoping he will play you? I am just curious.
Andrew
AS you saw he returned yesterday. I sent over a game hoping he would he would stay and play.
Originally posted by CFCYep, the legend returns. I myself was dissapointed in that I asked him to play a game with me just a day or two before he left. It sounds like he might be returning soon, so if you end up getting that game with him let me know. I still would like a chance to play with such an RHP legend.
it's [b]Zak (never mind, people always get that wrong)
AS you saw he returned yesterday. I sent over a game hoping he would he would stay and play.[/b]
Also, while I am far and away from being a chess player of much depth I would be happy to play a game with you if you think it would help. We seem to be on at the same time anyway. 🙂
Originally posted by OmnislashI'll send 1 over. Opps! Sorry I've got 6 games but in a couple of days I'll play you.
Yep, the legend returns. I myself was dissapointed in that I asked him to play a game with me just a day or two before he left. It sounds like he might be returning soon, so if you end up getting that game with him let me know. I still wo ...[text shortened]... think it would help. We seem to be on at the same time anyway. 🙂