Don't know if you guys were around, or even remember, but several years ago we had a Mentor/Mentee thread. Someone got the idea to team up players with someone stronger than them for coaching purposes. It worked well for most people (not for me, I got teamed up with Skeeter and for whatever reason she decided not to follow through with it). It might be more difficult if you are approaching or at 2K, simply because of a lack of stronger players willing to take part. At any rate, just thought I'd toss that out in case either of you had any interest in taking on 1-3 trainees and giving them specific coaching as opposed to general advice in the Forums (which is also welcome).
Originally posted by BLReid Hey DF, varenka, and Rahim,
Don't know if you guys were around, or even remember, but several years ago we had a Mentor/Mentee thread. Someone got the idea to team up players with someone stronger than them for coaching purposes. It worked well for most people (not for me, I got teamed up with Skeeter and for whatever reason she decided not to follow throu ing them specific coaching as opposed to general advice in the Forums (which is also welcome).
I guess that makes it time for another tip. Getting a coach or a mentor is all very well but a coach costs money and lets face it how many of us can afford that. As a general rule a coach 400 rating points above you will suffice so if you are 1200 you can learn a lot from a 1600 rating, etc. Some of us are prepared to throw around ideas in the forum which is all very well, perhaps it helps (hopefully it does). I try and throw around ideas not for any altruistic purpose but because analysis of other peoples games and writing threads like this helps me think about what I really need to do.
So you can't afford a coach. Is there another choice, yes
5. Join a friendly and vibrant club and play against players stronger than you. Afterwards spend some time analysing the game with them. At most clubs the stronger players make a point of helping keen up and coming players improve. If your club won't join a better one. At Fareham Chess Club (www.Farehamchess.org.uk) we have coaching sessons 3 or 4 times a year and will always help weaker players improve.
Originally posted by BLReid Hey DF, varenka, and Rahim,
Don't know if you guys were around, or even remember, but several years ago we had a Mentor/Mentee thread. Someone got the idea to team up players with someone stronger than them for coaching purposes. It worked well for most people (not for me, I got teamed up with Skeeter and for whatever reason she decided not to follow throu ...[text shortened]... ing them specific coaching as opposed to general advice in the Forums (which is also welcome).
Sounds like a great idea but i'm seriously debating giving chess up. Not going very well and my heads still not in it.
i can't give chess up its impossible. i try to limit myself to games but once i win another one i load up on games. i try to study more but once i read a chapter i just have to go back to playing games rather than reading. hell i slept in the living room the other day and my mom went to the bathroom and i started talking in my sleep about a position i was in in one of my games online. my mom is like you need serious help. lol rahim some can make this game become their job others cannot. i know its hard to not be competative at it but you just have to find your balance of fun and challenge so you dont tire yourself out. with someone as smart as you are i'm sure theres plenty of other things you can do with your ability to learn than play chess. everyone dreams of playing as a gm but not many succeed. best of luck
k-mac27
Originally posted by kmac27 i can't give chess up its impossible. i try to limit myself to games but once i win another one i load up on games. i try to study more but once i read a chapter i just have to go back to playing games rather than reading. hell i slept in the living room the other day and my mom went to the bathroom and i started talking in my sleep about a position i was in ...[text shortened]... an play chess. everyone dreams of playing as a gm but not many succeed. best of luck
k-mac27
I see chess positions in my head, I solve them in my head. Since I've been on this break this has stopped.
Maybe going back to the chess club and playing with those great pieces and the environment will bring back the fun. I'll try that out sometime.
OK it doesn't really get you to 2000 but it gets your rating there so you get to feel good for a brief time. On RHP this is easy.
a) say you are rated 1800 and play 40 games against opponents with average rating of 1800. You should score 50% with say 16 wins, 8 draws and 16 losses. The 8 draws do nothing for you so take them whenever they arise but the 16 wins will add about 200 rating points so you want to take all of these before you take any losses. Then start 20 more games and take your "old" losses as you notch up new wins. You'll always have 16 losses sitting there and the day of reckoning will come but if you do it right it will be a long time coming.
b) in those lost games delay making your moves as long as possible and give your opponent every chance to go on vacation so you can grab a time out. Not exactly fair but hey, this is war. Some will get so tired of waiting they will give up and leave RHP.
By my definition this tip is cheating. Almost as bad as using an engine in my opinion but so what if you have no morals.
Originally posted by Dragon Fire OK you guys heres the 6th suggestion.
[b]6. Manipulate your rating
OK it doesn't really get you to 2000 but it gets your rating there so you get to feel good for a brief time. On RHP this is easy.
a) say you are rated 1800 and play 40 games against opponents with average rating of 1800. You should score 50% with say 16 wins, 8 draws ...[text shortened]... cheating. Almost as bad as using an engine in my opinion but so what if you have no morals.[/b]