How can we improve our play in chess? To some extent of course, this depends on the standard at which you currently play. In this article I’m going to draw on my own experience. Although my current standard is about Elo 1600 (ECF 125), in years gone by I have improved from Elo 1400 (ECF 100) to Elo 1720 (ECF 140), and it is how I achieved this improvement that I’m keeping in mind when writing this article.
Openings
Do not waste time studying opening theory. I’m constantly amazed at how many players with very low ratings (below Elo 1600) do this (and yes, I was guilty too!). They seem to think they can memorise how to make good moves in the opening when they can’t; also, their opponents will not make the GM approved responses anyway, and they just get confused when they themselves, have to deal with a move they haven’t seen in a book! Having said that, as you get a little better, some study will inevitably become necessary. For example players using the Classical approach to the French Defence as black will need to know how to handle the Alekine-Chattard Attack, and if they don’t they risk loosing games very quickly in that line! Therefore, my approach to opening study was this:
Use openings where you can concentrate on learning themes - e.g. where to put your pieces - and avoid openings where you need to know lots of theory. For example, as white I open 1.d4 and play openings such as the London System and the Torre Attack. As black I use the French Defence, where the same themes persist for black (e.g. the …c7-c5 and f7-f6 pawn breaks) throughout many of the different approaches white may take (Advance, Tarrach, 3.Nc3 etc.).
Tactics/Analysis
I have spent many hours reading books of chess puzzles. Note that I’ve never been the slightest bit interested in the made up puzzle (although perhaps I’m missing out on something?). However I’ve spent many hours on the “find the win” tactical puzzles from actual play. I spent my time pouring over Iakov Neishtadt’s classic Test Your Tactical Ability. This does actually pay off. I became much better at spotting opportunist tactics and have notched up many a point this way! One thing I regret not doing more of, that I will be trying to put right (if I can find the time), is spending more time on practising routine analysis in the middle game.
Relax, It’s a Game!
The biggest improvement in my play came when I stopped trying desperately to win games, and relaxed and started just enjoying just playing them. I think this is something I have since lost sight of, and a large part of the reason my rating has gone down again over the last few years. To this end, I suggest seeking out opponents stronger than yourself, even when playing tournaments. When playing tournaments I usually “play up” - that is, play in the section above the one for my rating. This way the defeats are instructive, and the wins are all the more rewarding. However, do not be tempted to play in the open sections: you will just loose game after game without ever understanding why you lost.
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
You’re tips are good, but i have to part ways when you mention that ” its only a game”. Chess is about one thing…winning. Destroying the enemy because he made a mistake. Thats all chess will ever be about. I don’t mean to come on strong here, but usually when someone says ” its only a game” they say it because they have lost. I play to win all the time, every time. :D… just my ” brain dumping”.
In my experience, Tactics is the only ( ONLY ) staircase leading to master level. Its obvious that what even separates master from grand master is the ability to out play you’re opponent in the realm of tactics. Don’t believe me? All you have to do is pour over games of master vs grandmaster to see i am right. Further, Computers are evidence of this as they play purely tactics and therefore are much stronger by nature then the greatest chess masters alive today! Tactics is all there is my friend. There is no such thing as strategy plain and simple. Strategy is an illusion brought on by the attempt to classify what ” positional ” characteristics breed winning conditions. In other words, strategy is just another tactical device. Without tactical forsight there is no room for ” strategy, just as knowing how to outflank and take the high ground in war wont help you a bit if you’re men don’t know how to reload or even fire their weapons!