Countless puzzles, reading material, studying etc. And I'm seeing ZERO improvement in my game. I never seem to be able to use tactics in real games. I'm getting so frustrated and I'm losing 9/10 games I play. Seriously, I hate chess right now.
Maybe firstly stop playing rapid and blitz and play more classical games.
Seriously, in life (i'm 34yo) when I've devoted time, effort, and patience to something...ANYTHING... I've always caught on or progressed at least a little. But chess I feel like I'm actually getting worse.
At your level you probably need a teacher to provide you with some guidance about what you're doing wrong. Being self-taught can work well, but having a stronger player put what you're learning in perspective for you can help you organize your chess thinking better.
It sounds like you put a good amount of time into studying and playing. Every good teacher can work well with a student like that :)
Before you decide to quit and hate chess forever, it's worth adding a small amount of time and money compared to what you've already invested into finding someone to help you out.
Lichess offers quite a few coaching choices. You could find a coach who specializes in teaching players at your strength and ask them how they can help you use your current innate diligence to get out of your rut.
Have a look: lichess.org/coach
It sounds like you put a good amount of time into studying and playing. Every good teacher can work well with a student like that :)
Before you decide to quit and hate chess forever, it's worth adding a small amount of time and money compared to what you've already invested into finding someone to help you out.
Lichess offers quite a few coaching choices. You could find a coach who specializes in teaching players at your strength and ask them how they can help you use your current innate diligence to get out of your rut.
Have a look: lichess.org/coach
One thing I might add: I don't think there's a player out there who hasn't been in your shoes at least once. Most of us many times. It's alright to progress more slowly or not at all as long as you feel like you get something out of it.
If you direct all your focus toward improving all the time you're bound to get disappointed once in awhile. That's because most people that any of us play against also want to get better and play well to win the game. That's what makes getting better harder.
There are more interesting positions in chess than any player can explore in a lifetime. If you try to explore and understand some of them instead of focusing on personal progress you might be surprised. Chess isn't about remembering every position out there, it's about being able to reason in whatever position appears on the board. When you're studying, try to understand the deeper reasoning players use to make their moves. This habit, over time, will make you a stronger chess player also.
If you direct all your focus toward improving all the time you're bound to get disappointed once in awhile. That's because most people that any of us play against also want to get better and play well to win the game. That's what makes getting better harder.
There are more interesting positions in chess than any player can explore in a lifetime. If you try to explore and understand some of them instead of focusing on personal progress you might be surprised. Chess isn't about remembering every position out there, it's about being able to reason in whatever position appears on the board. When you're studying, try to understand the deeper reasoning players use to make their moves. This habit, over time, will make you a stronger chess player also.
You know, when I was your rating I just watched Ben Finegold's lectures (mostly because he's funny, but he's also surprisingly instructional) on Youtube and eventually I got better.
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVWaFpMwtaGiBxi79IUqnqn67WF5g5PR4
Maybe watch a lecture before going to sleep or so. That's what I did, though I understand you have a lot less free time than I did when I started.
Also you may want to read this FAQ (At least some parts, I didn't read it fully either.)
www.reddit.com/r/chess/wiki/faq
Notably, they don't have a book category for your level, because it trying to get better by books isn't gonna help you much if at all.
You can start worrying about books and complicated strategic concepts later.
I know you're already doing it, but tactics are the way to go. I'd suggest doing them a bunch on chesstempo.com instead of lichess, at least that's what most suggested when I started. (And I still agree, lichess tactics aren't all that good.)
Also, if you have the option, join a club. They're usually nice people and'll certainly help you out.
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVWaFpMwtaGiBxi79IUqnqn67WF5g5PR4
Maybe watch a lecture before going to sleep or so. That's what I did, though I understand you have a lot less free time than I did when I started.
Also you may want to read this FAQ (At least some parts, I didn't read it fully either.)
www.reddit.com/r/chess/wiki/faq
Notably, they don't have a book category for your level, because it trying to get better by books isn't gonna help you much if at all.
You can start worrying about books and complicated strategic concepts later.
I know you're already doing it, but tactics are the way to go. I'd suggest doing them a bunch on chesstempo.com instead of lichess, at least that's what most suggested when I started. (And I still agree, lichess tactics aren't all that good.)
Also, if you have the option, join a club. They're usually nice people and'll certainly help you out.
I feel like that every couple of months. It's normal. Just follow the good advices you've been given and don't be too hard on yourself. It takes time to absorb chess progresses.
Why do you need tactics when you are simply hanging pieces like this?
My guess is that you are not ready for blitz games yet. You should try longer time controls.
My guess is that you are not ready for blitz games yet. You should try longer time controls.
Well you do suck pretty hard Phil. That said i could give you a free lesson to snap you out of that. Message me for anti suck lessons.
Blitz : 401 games
Rapid : 6 games
Classical : 1 game.
Play more slowly !
Rapid : 6 games
Classical : 1 game.
Play more slowly !
This topic has been archived and can no longer be replied to.