How to get better at chess

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen the same question pop up in forums, streams, and chats:
“How do I get better at chess?”

It’s a simple question with a thousand complicated answers. Some people will throw a book list at you, others will say “just play more games,” and some will recommend a 10-hour daily grind like you’re training for the Candidates. But the truth is, improvement is personal. What works for a grandmaster won’t always work for someone juggling school, work, or family.

I’m not going to give you a magic bullet. Instead, here are some practical, human steps that actually move the needle—based on what helped me and many players I’ve seen improve along the way.

 
1. Play With Purpose
Most players hover at the same level because they log in, hit “Play,” and let habits do the work. If you want to improve, you need to play with a goal in mind.

Test a new opening you studied.
Focus on not blundering pieces.
Try to slow down and calculate instead of playing on autopilot.
Even if you lose, you’ll come away with lessons instead of frustration.

 
2. Learn Your Openings (But Don’t Drown in Theory)
Openings matter, but not in the way most people think. You don’t need to memorize 20 moves of the Najdorf to play good chess at the club or online. What you do need is:

A few reliable systems with both White and Black.
An understanding of the ideas, not just the moves.
If you know why you’re playing …e5 in the Italian or …c5 in the Sicilian, you’ll navigate middlegames much more confidently than if you’re just copying moves from a GM.

 
3. Analyze Your Games (Yes, Even the Ugly Ones)
This is where growth actually happens.

Go over your games right after playing, when the emotions are still fresh.
Use the computer, but don’t just stare at +2.5 eval swings—ask yourself why that move was better.
Write down your thoughts during the game. Did you feel lost? Were you rushing? Those mental notes are gold.
Your losses are your best trainers. Treat them with respect.

 
4. Mix Training Types
Getting better isn’t just tactics, or just endgames, or just puzzles. Improvement comes from balance:

Tactics sharpen your vision.
Endgames give you confidence to convert (or hold) positions.
Strategy helps you understand plans.
Even 15 minutes a day in each area can build steady progress without burnout.

 
5. Don’t Forget the Mental Game
Chess is 50% moves and 50% mindset.

Learn how to deal with tilt.
Accept that losses are part of growth.
Play formats you enjoy—bullet, blitz, rapid, OTB—because joy keeps you coming back.
Burnout is real. Improvement is a marathon, not a sprint.

 
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be chasing a GM title to care about improving. Maybe you want to cross 1500 rapid. Maybe you want to beat your sibling or finally win your local club tournament. Whatever your goal is, remember this:

Chess improvement is not about being perfect. It’s about being a little bit better than you were yesterday.