1. Standard membermchill
    Cryptic
    Behind the scenes
    Joined
    27 Jun '16
    Moves
    3077
    23 Sep '19 13:482 edits
    Lots of folks here ask questions such, as How do I improve? or How can I become a stronger player? Well, here's a thought:

    Many years ago I was playing in a USCF Golden Knights tournament (when they used postcards) One cold, rainey November evening I came home from work and rather than watching TV while eating supper, I brought supper to my desk and began analyzing my correspondence chess moves, it was a great feeling being inside on such a nasty night, before I knew it my moves were chosen, cards filled out, supper done, and almost 3 hours had drifted by! The next night, I did the same, but with no moves to make, I began playing over complete games from my Chess Informants (which I'd previously barely looked at) focusing on my prefered opening and defences. I continued this evening ritual of CC play and study for the next 2 1/2 years, and my correspondence and OTB rating slowly rose from 1325 to the mid 1700's. Sometimes improving is just a matter of changing a habit.
  2. S. Korea
    Joined
    03 Jun '17
    Moves
    41191
    25 Sep '19 06:52
    Really interesting and good post! This makes so much sense, as well, because many things are just a matter of effort, and allocating time for that effort.
  3. Donationketchuplover
    Isolated Pawn
    Wisconsin USA
    Joined
    09 Dec '01
    Moves
    71112
    25 Sep '19 16:09
    In my opinion the optimum plan for chess success is to study one opening inside and out for both colors and then only play thematic games/tourneys featuring that opening.
  4. Subscribermoonbus
    Über-Nerd
    Joined
    31 May '12
    Moves
    8144
    28 Sep '19 06:15
    @philokalia said
    Really interesting and good post! This makes so much sense, as well, because many things are just a matter of effort, and allocating time for that effort.
    Agreed. Repetition and dedication are the key to improvement, in many things, not only chess. Nothing great was ever achieved by following the path of least persistence.
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