What are some tips for reentering chess after taking a hiatus? • page 1/1 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

Hey all

So, I plateaued about 200 points below my goal rating of 2000 about a year ago. I've generally learned chess via the resources of lichess puzzles, drills, and youtube videoes from Gothamchess, Eric Rosen, etc. After six months of reaching a threshold of 1850, I watched a video from Gothamchess saying that in essence, sometimes you need to take a break from chess if you want to improve. -I think the purpose of the break is to give some clarity to one's psyche, to realize there are other things in life other than improving at chess. I took the break to start socializing with friends and in that time, I did not attempt anything chess related.
About two weeks ago I was faced with a revelation that I needed to get back into chess. I had already garnered some skill (even if mediocre to some), that I should not let it go to waste. My base goal since I learned fundamentals was to become a master. - I understand that it is not the most realistic goal, but it is simply one of many reasons driving my potent obsession of improving.

Since coming back I've struggled quite a bit, and I find myself having to relearn a lot of the fundamentals.

I've considered purchasing chessable courses, hiring a coach and buying some books, but I find myself paralyzed in trying to find what is right for me. For instance, I read My System by Aron Nimzowitsch a long time ago, and upon reading the recommended book, "How to Reassess your Chess" by Jeremy Silman, I found a lot of the concepts to be redundant, only echoing to the advice of former books I've read from Nimzowitsch and even Yasser Seirwan.
I'd want to get a course, but I fear that much of the bulk of it could be of what I already know. I fear that I will lack the efficiency of learning more now, than I would having not known anything. - that being said, am I stressing over it for no reason? should I get the courses regardless of what I feel and simply strain through what I already know?

My current plan is to review obvious faults in my games which are currently my openings and endgames, and keep doing tactic puzzles. But are there any other things I should be incorporating at this time?

Have you guys felt a similar experience? Do you guys have any book, course, or video suggestions?

Thanks

Hey all So, I plateaued about 200 points below my goal rating of 2000 about a year ago. I've generally learned chess via the resources of lichess puzzles, drills, and youtube videoes from Gothamchess, Eric Rosen, etc. After six months of reaching a threshold of 1850, I watched a video from Gothamchess saying that in essence, sometimes you need to take a break from chess if you want to improve. -I think the purpose of the break is to give some clarity to one's psyche, to realize there are other things in life other than improving at chess. I took the break to start socializing with friends and in that time, I did not attempt anything chess related. About two weeks ago I was faced with a revelation that I needed to get back into chess. I had already garnered some skill (even if mediocre to some), that I should not let it go to waste. My base goal since I learned fundamentals was to become a master. - I understand that it is not the most realistic goal, but it is simply one of many reasons driving my potent obsession of improving. Since coming back I've struggled quite a bit, and I find myself having to relearn a lot of the fundamentals. I've considered purchasing chessable courses, hiring a coach and buying some books, but I find myself paralyzed in trying to find what is right for me. For instance, I read My System by Aron Nimzowitsch a long time ago, and upon reading the recommended book, "How to Reassess your Chess" by Jeremy Silman, I found a lot of the concepts to be redundant, only echoing to the advice of former books I've read from Nimzowitsch and even Yasser Seirwan. I'd want to get a course, but I fear that much of the bulk of it could be of what I already know. I fear that I will lack the efficiency of learning more now, than I would having not known anything. - that being said, am I stressing over it for no reason? should I get the courses regardless of what I feel and simply strain through what I already know? My current plan is to review obvious faults in my games which are currently my openings and endgames, and keep doing tactic puzzles. But are there any other things I should be incorporating at this time? Have you guys felt a similar experience? Do you guys have any book, course, or video suggestions? Thanks

GrandPatzerDave

Step 1: make sure the board is oriented correctly.