Struggling with Chess
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My suggestion to become very happy with your chess game?
Relax and have a drink.
My rating hasn't improved but my attitude sure has.
benjpeters wrote:
I have played chess my whole life. I have never been good at chess. I like it though, a lot. Lately, I have really tried hard to improve. I've read the Silman canon, studied tactics, practiced, and analysed. And, for my efforts, I've gotten worse. I lose all the time. So I'm left with the question: Is it worth it? I don't mind losing, but I do hate feeling like my efforts are wasted. So, the questions to all of you: What does one do with discouragement in chess, especially when one feels like upturning the board, screaming, and punching the wall after another stupid mistake or lost game?
ivandh has a point. Basic psychology states that in any given situation, once you give up or no longer find what you are doing as enjoyable, you will be unable to improve the situation without first improving your outlook.
- Don't expect to lose. I'd hate to bring up this tired old cliche, but it is the truth. You expect you lose before even playing, half the battle is lost. Expect to win!
- Play against yourself more. During my circuit days here in Wisconsin (High School) I played against myself quite a bit, especially when there was nobody else around. If you play both sides of the board fairly you may find yourself surprised by how quickly you beat yourself. Basically just think of how would you beat that position and play it up.
- Take a break. This is incredibly important. Allow your mind and body to readjust, to come to terms and come back later, whenever it feels right.
I could make all sorts of suggestions. I for one go with number 3. Except I just stop playing games and open up the books. They can be frustrating too, but that I can do at my own pace without the clock ticking down.
how exactly do you study tactics? (what is your volume like + methods)
I would take a break from playing, and retool your tactics program... depends on what you're doing now though.
benjpeters wrote:
I have played chess my whole life. I have never been good at chess. I like it though, a lot. Lately, I have really tried hard to improve. I've read the Silman canon, studied tactics, practiced, and analysed. And, for my efforts, I've gotten worse. I lose all the time. So I'm left with the question: Is it worth it? I don't mind losing, but I do hate feeling like my efforts are wasted. So, the questions to all of you: What does one do with discouragement in chess, especially when one feels like upturning the board, screaming, and punching the wall after another stupid mistake or lost game?
If you really want to improve, you may try some coaching to get you on the right track.
Another option is to simply enjoy your games. Improving is not compulsory.
I keep losing but as my rating decreases I start playing those who are even worse and so I get to win a few games and I feel better
I keep losing but as my rating decreases I start playing those who are even worse and so I get to win a few games and I feel better
i'd agree with hicetnunc. if you've really put in a lot of effort, then a coaching session to point you in the right direction is probably all you need since you have a solid base to build on by now, just need to be told what to build!
oh, and find a way to reduce blunders. it's a mental thing you have to figure out and stop. personally been working hard on that: avoid blunders at all cost. I can accept making a bad move, but no blunders! it sucks to ruin a good game with one careless move.
SimonMcNamaraMTL wrote:
i'd agree with hicetnunc. if you've really put in a lot of effort, then a coaching session to point you in the right direction is probably all you need since you have a solid base to build on by now, just need to be told what to build!
oh, and find a way to reduce blunders. it's a mental thing you have to figure out and stop. personally been working hard on that: avoid blunders at all cost. I can accept making a bad move, but no blunders! it sucks to ruin a good game with one careless move.
Agreeing with Simon on all points. Furthermore, I just played a game where I had 0 blunder, 0 mistakes, and 1 inaccuracy. The game didn't last long...but it didn't last long for a reason. The reason I mentioned this is because it felt goooood to know that what I am doing is working. How did I do it? I continue to enjoy the game and work hard besides. The key is work, turning the key is results.
