New Year's Chess Resolution 2009

Jose Izguierdo and Kevin Mill ask about the development of an efficient self-training programme.

This seems to be a very popular question!  Everyone is different, but I would refer you to my 'little and often' recommendation of an earlier column. For the average player 15-20 mins a day study at MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION is about right, EVERY DAY and DON'T SKIP.

What you study is up to you but VARIETY is the key.  Aside from that a basic framework should include:

1) Sensible goal-setting. Know where you want to go. Aim to improve 1 ELO point per day let's say. Add that up!

2) Keep fit and healthy. Sleep well. Stay positive.

3) PLAY at least as much as study.

4) Do not be OBSESSIVE about chess. Play to enjoy the game rather than focusing on results. The results will come.

5) For whatever reason, if you are not enjoying chess, TAKE A BREAK, STOP PLAY. Too many players ignore this simple point, get more and more frustrated and end up manically giving up for good. Don't let this happen to you!

Farbror’s New Year’s Chess Resolution

My beloved kids are getting older and my ”chess hours” are getting fewer. I will try to adapt to Andrew Martin’s short & efficient approach in 2009. It would be great if someone else would like to join the project. I think it might be good to exchange ideas on how to get some variety into the daily chess chores.

1.      I will use my ICC rating as yard stick for measuring the outcome

2.      The “Grob is Healthy” project might contribute towards better health

3.      I aim for one slow game per week

So, any other resulotions out there?