GM Susan Polgar Chess improvement recommendation

My chess improvement recommendation

by GM Susan Polgar

Many chess enthusiasts who want to become stronger chess players often ask me the following question:

How can I improve in chess even if I do not have a chess coach?

Having a coach will surely help but it is a luxury. Even if you do not have one or cannot afford one, that is not a problem.

Here are the 3 simple steps to self-improvement in chess efficiently:

1. Self-assessment: Review the last 10-15 games that you lost. Analyze (it can be done with or without the help of an engine) them objective to come to a conclusion why you lost those games. Was it because of opening, middle game, endgame, tactic, nerves, carelessness, tiredness, etc.

2. Target training: Once you come up with the reasons why you lost your last 10-15 games, you can then work on improving those specific problem areas. Do not waste time studying everything at once. You have to target problem areas first. 

3. Repeat this process: As long as you continue to lose, figure out your area of weakness and keep working on fixing them.

I personally would not waste time, money, or energy playing one tournament after another and keep on losing the same way(s) without any improvement game plan.

Only you can decide how good you want to be. I have seen people with little talent (I am one of them) becoming strong players because of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. But if you do not care about fixing your weaknesses, then play for fun but do not expect great results. Good luck!