Hello,

I've been playing chess for about 4 months now and I was just wondering I can get improve greatly. I've been stuck at the 890-900 rating range and I can't seem to get out (this is a new account). What should I do to improve my game drastically? I have a copy of My System by Aron Nimzowitsch that I will be studying from but what else can I do to improve quickly? 

Thank you.

Pot.

O.O

What does "O.O" mean?

Study. Study. Endgames first. What is the point playing chess if you cannot finish off the King hunt?

New players should do all the tutorials on Chessmaster so that they get a good grounding in the basics. Later on move onto better programs like Fritz etc.

I also like to use 'Complete Chess Workout' by Richard Palliser. 

Short castling ? ... Oh wait ...

play peolple who are better than you. eating and drinking at the same time as playing will help, what im getting at is feel good about playing, lose yourself useing your mind, for example a little owl on top of the castle waving ever so nice. and if you cry when you lose you know your getting better .

and all the above

You know, if people knew, they would all be grandmasters.

It's very difficult to become good at blitz without a strong chess background.

Looking for opponent's threats and trying not to give material is the 1st habit to develop. It goes hand in hand with tactics training.

Ok first of all, everyone says that chess is about talent. I believe that hard word and time devotion makes you better. I started off barely knowing anything about chess, to becoming a 1760 chess ranking (at least thats what this website chess.com said). I am getting alot better as the days go by because i LITERALLY spend ALL day playing and studying chess non stop. There are plenty of tutorials and helpful things on this website in the "learn" area. Also, i suggest that you go to the library and find some chess books, and also watch grandmaster games too. It may take a while to get better,  but its important to practice practice practice! Here are a few tips that should help you in chess. 1. CONTROL THE CENTER- this is very important to do in chess, and try to do that on your first move. 2. PROTECT YOUR KING- as obvious as this sounds, you should always watch out and watch what your opponent is doing so you dont get any suprise attacks. 3. Try to castle early- this is also important because you want to get your king to saftey as fast as possible. Also, sometimes if you are playing with person, you can look at them and see where they are looking which may get some idea of where they may move (you dont have to do this, im just guessing that it may help a little) You should also study openings too and get to know them because openings are a big part and may give you an advantage).  Oh yeah, also, you should practice tactics, because tactics is 99% tactics as a person stated ( sorry forgot his name). Tatics may help get a better vision of the game and may help with your moves. Developing your peices is essential. Although i am not a Grandmaster, i am stedily increasing my ranking, and know quite alot about chess. Don't listen to the people who are telling you that wou would never get better, because you will most likely over time. There are PLENTY of websites online to help you out; just look them over and hopefully you will get better. BEST OF LUCK!!! And most importantly, don't give up! :D