When I started on here, my ratings underwent an almost continual slump, all the way down to the low 900s. Now I am coming back, pushing 1100. Before I joined this site, I was never a regular chess player, but I have looked at the rankings and found that I actually 10,261 out of 12,163, So relatively speaking, I still majorly suck. Is there any possibility of significant improvement?
On a serious note though, I noticed a lot of your games are against 1400 players, so to expect a losses would be no surprise. I am sure if I were playing people rated a few hundred points above me, I would lose consistently too. But I admire the fact that you keep on going. The only thing that I could recommend is the book "How to Reassess Your Chess" by Silman. It helped my game greatly and I only read it through once. If I applied all the tips and further readings that Silman stated, I'm sure I would be a lot better.
Originally posted by hahahaaaaThanks. Yes, I have been a bit of a masochist, it is true, but I do enjoy the challenge.
On a serious note though, I noticed a lot of your games are against 1400 players, so to expect a losses would be no surprise. I am sure if I were playing people rated a few hundred points above me, I would lose consistently too. But I admire the fact that you keep on going. The only thing that I could recommend is the book "How to Reassess Your Chess" b ...[text shortened]... plied all the tips and further readings that Silman stated, I'm sure I would be a lot better.
Originally posted by gobacktotexasHey, check out my Need help getting to 1400 thread. Page 2 half way down.
When I started on here, my ratings underwent an almost continual slump, all the way down to the low 900s. Now I am coming back, pushing 1100. Before I joined this site, I was never a regular chess player, but I have looked at the rankings and found that I actually 10,261 out of 12,163, So relatively speaking, I still majorly suck. Is there any possibility of significant improvement?
I think that it is essential to play better players in order to get better yourself (against someone 400 points above you should score only one point in every 9-12 games and it can become rather frustrating).
I went through some of your games and saw that in many games your opponent didn't really have to do anything - you leave pieces constantly en prise. Getting rid of this bad habit (or at least diminishing it) should be your number one priority.
After you have moved the piece do not push the Submit move -button right away! There are two mental checks you have to do first:
Blunder check: Try to imagine the position from your opponent's point of view - are there captures (pieces, pawns) that he would like to make, are there any checks (or checkmates) that he could play. If you lose a piece against someone 200 points higher he is just going to exchange down to a won endgame.
Counting: The most common tactic is simple counting - how many pieces are defending and attacking. If you defend a pawn two times and your opponent attacks it three times you are going to lose it. This can be trickier than that because of pins etc. but basic principle is very simple.
These have to be checked on every time before submitting your move. Same could be applied before making a move, you should first ask yourself "can I deliver checkmate on one move?", then "do I have any checks on my opponent king?" (it is not always a good idea to actually make a check..), "are there any captures I can make" etc.
Everybody makes mistakes but reducing the amount is paramount to becoming better. You could also train basic tactics. Things like removal of the guard etc. are ways you lose material to your opponents, best way is to just practice these a lot (for example http://chess.emrald.net/index.php). One chess book that comes to my mind for you is Logical Chess by Chernev. Instead of that you could always read through Dan Heisman's Novice Nook –columns (http://www.chesscafe.com/archives/archives.htm#Novice%20Nook).
These things get under your skin after a while, some people get it naturally after playing lots and lots of games, others have to remind themselves at start.
Good luck,
- bahus
Originally posted by gobacktotexasrahim's thread is well worth checking out. I think all who stuck with the 'program' made it to 1400 in a month or so. -it's not hard to get to 1400 or even 1500, you just need to train consistently.
When I started on here, my ratings underwent an almost continual slump, all the way down to the low 900s. Now I am coming back, pushing 1100. Before I joined this site, I was never a regular chess player, but I have looked at the rankings and found that I actually 10,261 out of 12,163, So relatively speaking, I still majorly suck. Is there any possibility of significant improvement?
basically, learning opening principles (develope fast, castle early etc.) and doing tactical problems regularly (preferably every day), should get you to 1400 before long.
I took a look at this game of yours: Game 2213286. You played the opening fine until 6 Nd3 ? The problem with putting the knight there is that it unprotects the pawn. I'd imagine that the reason you put it there is to avoid putting it back on f3, this is a common error at a lot of levels of chess. If you have to move a piece and the best, or least worst, place for it is where you just moved it from then that is where it should go, even if it is it's starting square. So 6. Nf3 was better than Nd3, but better still was 6. Nxf7, black's left his bishop en prise so you can do some damage to black's kingside more or less for free, after this Fruit 2.1 assesses the position as +2.31 (and +1.00ish after 6. Nf3).
After that there were a number of inaccuracies from both sides, but the thing that struck me was 12. g3 ?! why? All it's done is weaken the light squares around where your king should be, 12. 0-0 followed by 13. f4 to exert some central control was much better. Other than that you need to take more care over checking that you haven't left left pieces hanging (16. Qg4??).
Originally posted by RahimKThread 39309
Hey, check out my Need help getting to 1400 thread. Page 2 half way down.
Originally posted by Sicilian SmaugSilmans "Complete Chess Strategies" is good for beginners
Silman's 'Reassess your chess' is way too advanced for someone with a 1000 rating. It's easier than some other books, that's for sure, but I wouldn't say it's the best book to start from. What about 'The Amatuer's Mind' By Silman? Anyone read that? Or maybe one of Seirawan's books.
Originally posted by Sicilian SmaugSeirawans book are a definite need for someone rated 1000. I recommendhis tactics and endgames book. Once you reach 1300, use his strategy book and 1400 use his opening book
Silman's 'Reassess your chess' is way too advanced for someone with a 1000 rating. It's easier than some other books, that's for sure, but I wouldn't say it's the best book to start from. What about 'The Amatuer's Mind' By Silman? Anyone read that? Or maybe one of Seirawan's books.