I am playing like dog crap lately.
I'll think I'm being slick or wary or careful and then... BOOM! I get forked. Or surprise Mate. Or my King's on the run. I'm having a hard time adopting "sound principles" (developing Knights before Bishops, castling early, etc.)
I think I need a break but I enjoy the games too much (even when losing). How do YOU folks usually work out of ruts and slumps? More chess? Less chess? Read chess books? Play Blitz?
Help me. I'm wallowing. Thanks.
</rant>
Originally posted by BrooHaPlay a 500 ranked player about every 5th game.
I am playing like dog crap lately.
I'll think I'm being slick or wary or careful and then... BOOM! I get forked. Or surprise Mate. Or my King's on the run. I'm having a hard time adopting "sound principles" (developing Knights before Bishops, castling early, etc.)
I think I need a break but I enjoy the games too much (even when losing). How do YOU f ...[text shortened]... Less chess? Read chess books? Play Blitz?
Help me. I'm wallowing. Thanks.
</rant>
I'm just an average wood-pusher, so take this with a grain of salt.
I went through a few of your most recent games and it looks like you are NOT blunder checking. When you see your opponent's latest move, ask: "What is the threat and what should I do about it?" When you think you have a move to make, ask: "Is this a safe or protected square to move to?" Are you playing too fast? Taking a few minutes to look over a position is a smart thing to do.
Originally posted by MontyMooseThanks for the advice.
I'm just an average wood-pusher, so take this with a grain of salt.
I went through a few of your most recent games and it looks like you are NOT blunder checking. When you see your opponent's latest move, ask: "What is the threat and what should I do about it?" When you think you have a move to make, ask: "Is this a safe or protected square to move to? ...[text shortened]... you playing too fast? Taking a few minutes to look over a position is a smart thing to do.
I think I may be playing too fast. I often am more comfy with face-to-face play and faster-paced games and I don't take advantage of all the time available ot scrutinize a move as I should.
But I feel frustrated because sometimes I THINK I'm being careful and then discover that I'mnot being careful enough.
This worked brilliantly on the couple of occasions I've actually done it. (I'm a too-fast mover as well.)
Make move, but don't click submit. Click on "flip board" instead. Get up from chair, stretch, sit down again. Now you are seeing what your opponent's going to see. Can you see any opportunities for him?
{Now all I need is the patience to do it on every move.}
Originally posted by BrooHaJust do what I did: stop caring.
I am playing like dog crap lately.
I'll think I'm being slick or wary or careful and then... BOOM! I get forked. Or surprise Mate. Or my King's on the run. I'm having a hard time adopting "sound principles" (developing Knights before Bishops, castling early, etc.)
I think I need a break but I enjoy the games too much (even when losing). How do YOU f ...[text shortened]... Less chess? Read chess books? Play Blitz?
Help me. I'm wallowing. Thanks.
</rant>
Originally posted by BrooHaDrink More Wine.
I am playing like dog crap lately.
I'll think I'm being slick or wary or careful and then... BOOM! I get forked. Or surprise Mate. Or my King's on the run. I'm having a hard time adopting "sound principles" (developing Knights before Bishops, castling early, etc.)
I think I need a break but I enjoy the games too much (even when losing). How do YOU f ...[text shortened]... Less chess? Read chess books? Play Blitz?
Help me. I'm wallowing. Thanks.
</rant>
Originally posted by BrooHaIf you're enjoying the games, then keep on enjoying them. Being an intermediate level chess players is crap because you don't have the comebacks and drama of when you're a beginner but you're not good enough to even begin to feel the pleasure in mastering something.
I am playing like dog crap lately.
I'll think I'm being slick or wary or careful and then... BOOM! I get forked. Or surprise Mate. Or my King's on the run. I'm having a hard time adopting "sound principles" (developing Knights before Bishops, castling early, etc.)
I think I need a break but I enjoy the games too much (even when losing). How do YOU f ...[text shortened]... Less chess? Read chess books? Play Blitz?
Help me. I'm wallowing. Thanks.
</rant>
😞