Thank you for the thoughtful comments and advice. I am quite sure that I could not go wrong by studying endings and more endings, tactics and more tactics. When I played many years ago I largely ignored openings and did resonably well against sub 2100 players, but I did often slowly grind out a win from poor, cramped opening positions that I had clearly lost. Of course, sometimes I lost the opening so badly that I could not recover and the stronger the opponent the more likly this was.

I wonder what it would be like to not lose the opening.

Still, I think the advice is very sound...abiltiy, understanding and knowledge is more important than memorization of lines of positions.

Thanks very much!

Time ,time,time!If Your needs most effective method -i think only try COORDINATE your pieces-100% of time-this is Capablanca-Morphy method-just study games of two greatest players!My BEST REGARDS! Fast coach.

I would suggest you study endings 60% of the time, and play slow, thought-filled games, documenting your thinking as you go, so that you can re-think the entire game later - to validate or modify your thinking of plans, lines, and intermediate goals in the game.

Additionally, I suggest you spend 30% of your time studying tactics - back to basics: Tactics  by Dan Heisman is excellent for providing ideas to gain a tactical advantage...   endgame study will give you the tools to optimize the tactical advantages you accrue, and:      endings study will enhance your 'board vision' as you gain skill in 'seeing' winning endings you can transition into as the game progresses.

regards,

chess coach.  (lazy chess coach).

My humble advice ; Ask the source of misdom in " JEREMIAH 33 :3 " and prosper !///