for those of us who seem stuck in a rating range we can't seem able to surpass.  let's discuss our chess difficulties and then seek some solutions.  also, of course, let's have fun.  drop me a line if you are interested. 

I'm still under 1200

I hope to not be under 1300 forever.

I'm hopeless...

 you're better than me. :)

I was told by a 1234 I diddnt know how to play chess,and I couldnt defend myself.

Okay Ladies and Gentlemen,

1300-1400 was a period of about a year for me. It's difficult to break through. I suggest these things:

1.  Pick an modern opening and play it to death. (I picked a queen side defense like "The Slav Defense")

2. Play someone of which you've become friends on this websit who is in the 1700-1900 range and ask him to play you unrated. The guy I approached about this was a 1700 rated player, but is now in the 1900's. Ask him to keep the chat up with things like why he's doing what he's doing. Ask him for hints when your not sure of a move. Or have him comment when you make a bad move.

3. Commit everything you learn to memory. As your improving, ask your "mentor" to analyse your play for that game.

4. Do not get discouraged. Be true to yourself, identify your weaknesses and work on improving them. And don't be stubborn, learn to play with your knights if you tend to play more with your bishops or the other way around.

5. Be a good sport, always approach the game with a positive attitude. And above all believe in yourself.

This game is mental, all mental. So the more positive your approach, the more positive the results. I hope that all of you improve to at least the mid 1400's in the next six months. Good Luck and Good Chess.

Feel free to send me a challenge if you want to play an opening, maybe I won't know it and will learn something from it as well. I'm not the best guy at chess, but I do enjoy playing chess!