Noah
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re:HOW DO I IMPROVE AT CHESS??? - 2006/11/23 20:33
I am not there myself, but have been reading the story of Leonid Stein who started from nowhere and without the help of a trainer grew in Chess ability until he was able to become a IGM. I found a nice book on his life story and that has a nice collection of his games, some of which include his own annotations, and all have annotations by a GM. This has become my favorite Chess book. The book if you are interested:
http://www.jeremysilman.com/book_reviews_rb/rb_l_stein_mstr_risk_strtgy.html
My thoughts are:
1) Get a few Chess books, especially on Tactics and Strategy.
2) You can practice Tactics on Endgames and Endgame-like Chess puzzles. Develop a good understanding of the basic Tactics of: Pins,
Revealed Attacks, Forks and practice them until you feel comfortable with them. When you understand these principles it will help you with all of your game from the Openings, though the Midgame and into the Endgame. Get the basics down well, then you can add some of the more complicated ones in later. Using more than one piece to accomplish a goal in Chess will become more obvious though the learning of Tactics.
3) Study Openings. A good Chess Book would be helpful, especially one that the author spends the time to talk about each move of the opening. The book should also take you through the King Pawn, Queen Pawn, Knight, Gambit Openings. After becoming familiar with the openings it will be easier to choose the best moves when playing White or Black. You could memorize a few openings so you will be able to recognize them on the board. It helps to know the Strategies applied for different openings.
4) Practice, practice, practice. I have at times sat down at lunch with a Chessboard and played both sides so that I could develop an increased awareness of all the pieces on the board. At first this seems a little strange, but after a while you learn to play both sides with enthusiasm and you begin to see Tactics and better moves. You should take the time to think about each move and not try to play a hurried game. You can experiment with many openings this way. Of course it also helps to have another person to play, but this is not a luxury we all have. I play online and against my computer. Variety is helpful because it shows you your weakness.
5) Always study your losing games. You should self-analyze your games. Then you could run your game through Fritz if you have or other similiar Chess program to get analysis. If you can find someone to analyze your games that would help also; there are times when others will see something you may not see. You may want to analyze your winning games also because you may think you have done well, and in a way you did, but you can still find some areas where you can become stronger.
6) Have fun! This is essential. You must have fun, even if you lose. I have lots of fun when I play against Shredder, ChessMaster or Fritz, ow, ow, ow!
That's my thoughts. To grow stronger in Chess is like a journey - it takes many steps to get there. I know I would really like to get to 2200 ELO or better, but it would take more time than I seem to have lately to gain that in the short run. I think if I was more dedicated to this pursuit then I would attain it, but it does take effort, much effort, and I personally think that a training partner to spar against would be invaluable; especially if they are dedicated to the same pursuits. Here is a thought, don't fall into a psychological well worrying about your ELO, just put 200% into the game and see where it takes you..
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Some men would rather pursue happiness than obtain it.
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