It seams to me that recently we have seen more then a few blogs and forums that have centered on tips to improve ones game. All of which have been helpful and well meaning for sure. However I do not recall one blog or forum mentioning what to me is the most important one of all. I can say this because I have found myself guilty of not following it and have seen my rating drop more then seventy points in the last week or so. Being an engineer I should know better, being older then most on this site I should know better, being a chess player I should know better!!!!!!!!!!! Simply put the most important tip I can offer is to "Take your time", look before you leap! Take this advice and I willing to bet you will see your rating climb as your game can not help but improve.

yeah, tis true

 

I am usually the last guy finished with playing a chess match at school matches and tournaments.  I seem to do well in those situations 

I find myself playing way to many games which leads me to moving so fast just to get to the naxt game. Playing so many games I think hurts my game more then it helps. I find myself forgetting what I have planned on in each game and getting games and oppentents confused which once again resluts in fast moves only to hurt the over all out come of things. 

i have to agree with you, but as i am a knew player i sometimes forget to take my time & just take real risky moves, but i guess practic breeds habit & hopefully i should improve :D.

practice is a good thing only if we practice good things