Feeling Stuck? Here's How to Break Through That Chess Plateau

Dear Chess Improvers,

We've all been there—you’re studying, playing, grinding puzzles… but your rating just won’t budge. Super frustrating, right? Whether you’re hovering at 800, 1300, or 1900, hitting a plateau is part of the journey—but it doesn’t have to be permanent.

This awesome article from NM CoachJKane, “How to Break Through a Chess Plateau,” is packed with advice that actually feels real and doable. It’s written for players like us—who care about improving and are ready to shake things up a bit.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you'll find:

• Figure out what’s really holding you back.
  It’s not just about studying more—it’s about noticing the patterns in your losses. Are you rushing? Overthinking? Getting into time trouble? Recognizing your own habits is key.
  
  
• Change things up.
  Sometimes you just need to step out of your comfort zone. Try new openings, explore different positions, and give your brain something fresh to chew on.
  
  
• Care less about the rating, more about the move.
  Sounds weird, but when you focus on the quality of your decisions (rather than the result), the rating eventually follows. Play like you love the game, not like you're chasing points.
  
  
• Play when you're at your best
  Don't force games when you’re tired or tilted. Even top GMs wait until they’re feeling sharp before they queue up. Be kind to your chess brain!

If you're feeling a little stuck lately—or just want a motivation boost—give the full article a read. It might be exactly what you need to level up.

Let us know your favorite takeaway, or what’s been working for you lately!