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Best way to improve your game?

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PureClarity

Dear Chessenthusiasts,

I have been playing chess for a couple of weeks now, through playing games I've gained a decent amount of experience and knowledge. But I know I need some serious theoretical backing to take my game to the next level. I was wondering how do most masters of this beautiful game started out, organized their development,... What are the first steps (books, videos, teaching,...) to seek for?

Thanks in advance!

nameno1had
Ne-Me-Sis wrote:

Dear Chessenthusiasts,

I have been playing chess for a couple of weeks now, through playing games I've gained a decent amount of experience and knowledge. But I know I need some serious theoretical backing to take my game to the next level. I was wondering how do most masters of this beautiful game started out, organized their development,... What are the first steps (books, videos, teaching,...) to seek for?

Thanks in advance!

There are several ways you could go about becoming a master of this game. Different methods get people to where they want to go and it is all the same destination. The key to making any of them a stepping stone in the right direction, most effectively, is by figuring out what you are good at and what you aren't.

First things first, attack your weaknesses. If a ship has holes in it, not only will it not get you to where you want to go, but it won't even keep you afloat. Secondly, learn how to play defense. Make it a priority. If you can defend competently against anything that someone would throw at you, it will help you see when to counter, which in turn will help you learn how to go on the attack.

Pick one opening or two at the most. Make sure they are viable. Don't pick something that is refuted. Practice them so you can learn all of the variations. I recommend something that helps you to be relaxed, comfortable and helps in giving you the least complicated calculations to deal with. I realize that this may seem easier said than done, but it is the quickest way to get your rating up about 300 to 400 points in a flash.