Why You’re Not Improving at Chess — And What You Can Do About It
For many, the path to improvement in chess seems straightforward: keep playing, keep pushing through the losses, and eventually, the wins will come. The hope is that, over time, you'll experience a “walkover” — a sudden, seamless streak of victories that propel you effortlessly to higher levels of play. But, unfortunately, for most players, that moment remains elusive.
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The reality is that progress in chess isn't as simple as brute force or endless hours of play. Many players fall into the trap of repetitive practice, often without clear direction, hoping to catch some form of divine intervention in the form of a winning streak.
Some look for shortcuts. A quick online search reveals countless articles and videos promising to turn you into a 2000 Elo player in just thirty days. But here’s the truth: most of these methods are oversimplifications that lead to little to no real improvement.
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Others, disheartened by their lack of visible progress, quit the game entirely. The desire to improve wanes as the frustrations mount, and chess becomes a source of anxiety rather than enjoyment. Many even go as far as to convince themselves they are “simply not cut out for chess”—a devastating thought, especially when they haven’t truly explored their potential yet.
This is where the true problem lies: most players aren’t addressing the root causes of their stagnation.
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If you're reading this, I trust that you want more than just a temporary “fix.” You want genuine, sustained improvement. You want to understand why progress feels elusive and, most importantly, what can be done to break free from this cycle. I firmly believe that improvement is within your grasp—and, often, it's a matter of shifting your approach to the game.
The Power of Mentorship: A Game-Changer
It might surprise you to learn that 84% of Fortune 500 companies actively leverage mentorship programs. Even the lowest-ranked company on that prestigious list, O-I Glass, has an enterprise value of $5.86 billion. The numbers speak for themselves.
If mentorship has such profound impacts on corporate success, imagine what it could do for your chess game. The same principles that fuel high-level business strategies can be applied to your chess development—and the results could be transformative.
Magnus Carlsen, the greatest chess player of all time, started with a rating of just 900. It’s hard to imagine that today’s world champion was once a beginner. But, just like any other top player, he had a coach to guide him through the complexities of the game. Carlsen’s success wasn’t just a product of raw talent; it was also the result of expert guidance and structured, focused training.
If mentorship helped Carlsen, why not you?
What an Excellent Chess Coach Should Do
A skilled chess coach is more than just an instructor. They are a guide, a mentor, and a strategic partner who works with you to unravel the complexities of the game and unlock your full potential. While every coach has their own unique style, there are several core elements that every great coach brings to the table.
Analyzing Your Games in Depth
A good coach doesn’t just tell you what you did wrong—they help you understand why you made the mistake. By analyzing your games together, they can help you pinpoint recurring patterns, identify tactical errors, and turn those weaknesses into opportunities for growth. Each loss becomes a learning experience, and each victory becomes a step toward mastery.
Photo: Chess.com
Sharpening Your Tactical Awareness with Diverse Puzzles
Puzzles are more than just a way to pass the time—they are one of the most effective methods for improving your tactical vision. A great coach will present you with a wide range of puzzles, each targeting a specific aspect of your game: from basic tactics like forks and pins to more advanced themes like sacrifices and zugzwang. By regularly working through these puzzles, you'll develop a deeper, more intuitive understanding of key patterns and motifs.
Turning Weaknesses into Strengths
Every player has areas where they struggle. For some, it's openings; for others, it's tactical awareness or endgame technique. A coach will work with you to systematically address these weaknesses, helping you turn them from liabilities into strengths. Through targeted practice, thoughtful feedback, and a structured improvement plan, you'll transform areas of vulnerability into your greatest assets.
Photo: YouTube, GothamChess
Guiding You Through Openings and Middlegame Strategy
The opening and middlegame are the heart of the chess battle, where the foundation for the entire game is set. A coach will help you understand opening principles—what to aim for, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to navigate the complexities of the middlegame with confidence. Instead of memorizing lines in isolation, a coach teaches you to understand the strategic ideas behind the moves, so you can adapt to any situation.
Learning from Master Games
One of the most valuable aspects of coaching is the study of master games. A great coach will expose you to high-level games played by the world’s best, and guide you in extracting key principles from these games. By analyzing the strategies of players like Carlsen, Kasparov, and Fischer, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the underlying concepts that drive elite-level play, and learn how to apply these ideas to your own game.
Photo: ChessWorld
Fostering an Engaging and Enjoyable Learning Environment
Perhaps the most crucial, yet often overlooked, responsibility of a coach is to make the learning process engaging. Chess should be exciting. It should be a challenge that leaves you feeling inspired and motivated to learn more. If your lessons feel tedious or dry, you’re unlikely to maintain the energy and enthusiasm necessary to continue improving. A great coach knows how to make each session not just productive, but enjoyable.
Common Pitfalls: Where Coaches Often Go Wrong
Unfortunately, not all coaches are able—or willing—to provide these essential elements. Here are some of the more common mistakes I’ve seen in the coaching world:
Photo: ChessEasy
Beginning with Endgame Theory
Some coaches make the mistake of starting with endgame theory. While endgames are undeniably important, focusing on them too early can leave beginners at a disadvantage. If you can’t navigate the opening and middlegame with confidence, your endgame knowledge will be of little use. A beginner must first learn how to survive the opening and control the middlegame before worrying about the endgame.
Neglecting Master Game Analysis
Many coaches fail to incorporate the analysis of master-level games into their curriculum. This is a critical mistake. Studying the games of grandmasters is an invaluable way to gain insight into the strategic depth of chess, helping you understand the thought processes behind each move. Without this exposure, it’s easy to get lost in the minutiae of opening theory without developing a broader understanding of the game.
Photo: chess.com
Exorbitant Rates Without Delivering Results
Coaching is an investment, but it should be a worthwhile one. Charging upwards of $85–$105 per hour for a lesson that lacks structure, engagement, or real value is simply not sustainable. A good coach understands the value of their time and expertise, but they also recognize that your growth is the ultimate measure of their success.
Dull, Repetitive Lesson Plans
Chess is a game of infinite complexity, and yet some coaches rely on monotonous, repetitive lesson plans that fail to challenge or inspire their students. If your lessons feel predictable and boring, you’re not being stretched in the way that’s necessary for improvement. A great coach tailors their approach to your needs, always keeping you on your toes and engaged in the learning process.
Lack of a Long-Term Improvement Plan
Perhaps the most damaging mistake a coach can make is failing to provide a clear, long-term roadmap for your improvement. Without a plan, progress can feel erratic and aimless. You need a coach who can assess where you are now, set realistic goals, and map out a structured path to help you achieve them.
Conclusion: The Road to Improvement Is Paved with the Right Guidance
Chess is a complex, multifaceted game. The road to mastery is rarely straightforward, and setbacks are inevitable. However, with the right mentorship, you can navigate this journey with purpose, structure, and—most importantly—joy.
The right coach doesn’t just teach you the mechanics of the game; they help you love the process of learning. They guide you through the inevitable ups and downs, helping you refine your skills while keeping you motivated and excited about your progress.
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Remember: improvement in chess is not just about putting in the hours; it’s about putting in the right hours, with the right mindset and the right guidance. Your growth is not just possible—it’s inevitable, with the right coach by your side.
Have you worked with a coach before?
What did you find most valuable about the experience—or what were some challenges you encountered?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, insights, or questions. Let’s keep this conversation going and elevate our game together.
