Originally posted by BLReid
Hey DF, I'd settle for a how to get to 1900 tip sheet if you never get to 2000.
BLR
OK a few more pointers and these really are simple.
I believe everyone has a latent level of ability to which you will rise and then reach a plateau. You reach this latent level once you have a reasonable grasp of opening strategy, tactics, middle game strategy and how to force the most likely wins in the end game. In fact you know enough about how to win in the end game to avoid most situations that are likely to lose or give draws, (for example you tend to avoid getting down to 2Ns or a Rook pawn blocked by opponents King and you understand opposition. Hell you can even force the win with a lone B & N if you really have to). This latent ability you never forget - its like riding a bicycle (you don't use one for 25 years then get straight back on and off you go). In my case that level is between 1700 and 1800. I have good years and bad years but never drop out of this range. When I did not play chess for 10 years I was back there from my very first game.
OK now you must get up to your level of latent ability before you even try to progress further so work on the basics as outlined in previous threads. If you are struggling with basic opening principles, tactics and how to win a simple end game then you have no chance. So get there first. After that
its hard work, like studying for your degree, and a certain
level of commitment is required. Of course if you a lucky one your level of latent ability will be 2000+ anyway so it will be easy for you and this thread will be irrelevant. The bad news is
the further away your latent ability is from your target the harder work it is to get there .
Of course this tread is not all about me telling you how. I am not that conceited to think I can even do it but if I stick to my plan I think I will. It is, however, also for players currently rated 2000+ to tell us how they got there.