Just looking for input, but how many here study things like endgames, tactics, or their favorite opening lines independent of their RHP games, and if you do, what do you study?
I normally play through opening lessons and tactics training on youtube a few times a week, but wonder if this the best use of my time in terms of becoming a stronger player.
I use lichess.org for puzzles/tactics training and sometimes enter tournaments with 5 min time controls to (try) sharpen up.
Also follow a couple youtube channels, including ChessNetwork and Kingscrusher, both strong and instructive players who analyse different openings and discuss strategies.
And any chance I get to follow a strong GM tournament with all the world's best players I do so for the interesting games and analysis... the recent tournaments in St. Louis were very good.
I used to try to study. I found the personal chess trainer to be very helpful. It was basically a chess puzzle program with puzzles put in order of difficulty.
I learned the importance of the need of keeping opponents in check while forcing mate, as well as mating patterns. One pattern I learned I called micky mouse ears, the pattern needed for queen giving mate when next to a king. I also liked the knight and rook mating pattern and putting the king in a tube.
Since then I've been learning and relearning miatakes not to make over and over again.
Originally posted by @john-osmarDo you get advice or just see things for yourself?
When I first started here, I thought I'd wing it on my own brain for a while before I tainted my game with book learning. Still winging it 8 years later!
- Joined
- 18 Jan 07
- Moves
- 12477
Originally posted by @mchillNot actively. I have read and played through a number of books (though not for several months), but I've never treated it as homework.
Just looking for input, but how many here study things like endgames, tactics, or their favorite opening lines independent of their RHP games, and if you do, what do you study?
Originally posted by @shallow-blue)When I treat chess as homework, I make the most progress and get the best results. I try to study 40 minutes a day and keep a notebook of various games here at RHP looking at them in depth
...but I've never treated it as homework...
Originally posted by @eladarNo advisors, just a slow learning process. There are leaders, and followers. Then, there are those of us who just wander with a purpose.
Do you get advice or just see things for yourself?
Originally posted by @john-osmarNo tactics no nothing but game experience on rhp?
No advisors, just a slow learning process. There are leaders, and followers. Then, there are those of us who just wander with a purpose.
Originally posted by @mchillI defer to stronger players for this kind of advice, however personally I think studying is far more valuable. Playing games all the time can often mean repeating the same mistakes over and over.
Just looking for input, but how many here study things like endgames, tactics, or their favorite opening lines independent of their RHP games, and if you do, what do you study?
I normally play through opening lessons and tactics training on youtube a few times a week, but wonder if this the best use of my time in terms of becoming a stronger player.
One of my favourite things to do to study is play through master's games on my chessboard at home, and try to work out the idea behind a particular line, predict the next move etc.
- Joined
- 18 Jan 07
- Moves
- 12477
Originally posted by @montymooseWhereas when I do so, I quickly lose all interest and stop not only studying but also playing. For me, chess is first and foremost a game and I want it to stay that way. I can quite understand if other people's mileage varies, though.
When I treat chess as homework, I make the most progress and get the best results.
Originally posted by @eladarMy dad taught me how to play, but I never played again until RHP. I found the site when my grandson got interested. He and I signed up and played each other a couple times. He lost interest, but I got hooked. I made all the rookie mistakes the first couple years. Now, I only make veteran mistakes!
No tactics no nothing but game experience on rhp?
Originally posted by @john-osmarI think the term veteran chess player means different things to different people.
My dad taught me how to play, but I never played again until RHP. I found the site when my grandson got interested. He and I signed up and played each other a couple times. He lost interest, but I got hooked. I made all the rookie mistakes the first couple years. Now, I only make veteran mistakes!