FAQ's on Chess Improvement
How to improve at chess?
The century old question that every chess amateur brings to the teacher: 'How do I get better at the game of chess?
After playing this game actively for well over a decade, I believe I can come up with the short answer:
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Organisation. Hard work.
If you want to improve in chess, you have to put in the hours of learning and playing in a systematic way.
Where do I start?
Chess is primarily Tactics for the new beginner. So I would say the fastest way to improve would be to practice chess tactic puzzles daily. Be sure to throw in as 1-2 practice games as well.
Next, You should learn a few basic Openings but don't spend too much time on memorising lines. Much more important are the ideas behind the opening that you choose.
Strategy Going through master games with good annotations helps you to understand middlegame plans. Obviously, it helps if you go through games with similar openings with your own repertoire.
With regards to Endgames, there is no magic formula for this one. You just got to grit your teeth and go through the learning of proper endgame technique. (I'll recommend some books in my books section) Yes, it can be dull but knowing that extra bit of technique can usually be the difference between a win/draw or draw/defeat.
All of the above studying will lead to better chess pattern recognisation. To a large extent, Chess is about pattern recognisation. The best chess plans are derived from looking at any given position and recognising its features. This will make it easier to choose the best move to play.
Slow chess or blitz: Does it matter?
Yes it does.
Trust me, I've been an internet player my whole chess life (playing online blitz since 2004), but only recently experiencing my first OTB (over the board) international tournament in 2016. I can attest that playing chess at slower time controls forces one to think and play more accurately in just about any given position. Speculative chess moves won't work so well if you're opponent has all the time/day to find the best response.
Develop a systematic thinking habit.
Probably the best kept secret of chess trainers: Good chess players have established good thinking habits. They go through the same thought process in their minds when deciding upon a chess move. Good thinking process means a better selection of canidates moves which often translates into better moves played.
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Everyone will develop their own thinking process when it comes to playing chess. However, I like to use a simple acronym derived from Alexei Kosikov's book 'Elements of Chess Strategy' and 3 questions to ask myself before I play any move in chess.
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The acronm is 'STOP C'
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S stands for stay calm, patient
T tactics. Is there any tactics in the position? For myself or for my opponent?
O objectivity. Don't go kingside hunting if there isn't an opportunity. Analyze the position based on its attributes
P plan. After breaking down the elements in the positions, figure out what is your best plan and for your opponent. Select candidates moves here and choose the one that feels right.
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C Calculate. Play a move in your mind and look ahead until a stable/favorable position is reached. If undesirable, select another canidate move and again calculate until a favorable position is reached.
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Lastly, the 3 questions I ask myself are derived from Jacob Aagard book positional chess
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1. Where are the weaknesses?
2. Which is the worst-placed piece?
3. What is your opponent's idea?
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The last of the 3 questions is probably the most important. It is mandatory for you to at least think of your opponents best reply before deciding on a move in order to prevent unpleasant surprises. After all, your opponent has a right to fight for the win as well. Never underestimate one's opponent or their resources.
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