How I Became a USCF Expert
Although I am a patzer, recently I was able to achieve a USCF rating above 2000, making myself a USCF Expert. If you've been following my blogs, you'd know that half a year ago, I was just 1600. After 5 years of playing chess, I've finally reached 2000. So here is the long-awaited 2000 blog where I'll be displaying memorable games on my way to the 2000 USCF rating milestone.
Game 1: Draws Aren't Boring!
Even though I was playing an NM, I was able to have a better position despite later losing the advantage. Something that you can learn from this game is once you get a better position and you know it, you should not start celebrating and instead scan the position.
Game 2: Beating a Master!
My first ever OTB win against an NM! Although the position was so closed and it almost felt like it would be a complete draw since there would be no way to make progress, he blundered and I was able to exploit the open file he had created. Something you can learn from this game is that this magical hack of a pawn abducting a pawn next to it should always be watched for! Oh, and I guess the fact that you shouldn't be scared of someone higher rated since they're probably more scared than you are.
Game 3: The Game For 2K
Finally. Even though it was a bit of a sloppy game I think we can learn to always watch for tactics like pins, violent moves, and discovered attacks. At first, Qe6 seemed like a normal move, but if you saw that the bishop was in line with the king and that there could be possible tactics. Every time you sense these small tactical motifs you should always look for the most violent and forcing moves.
These are the pivotal games that lead the way to becoming a USCF expert. I still think it is absolutely bonkers than half a year ago I was 1600... Just about 5 years ago, I played my first ever USCF tournament. I thought it was just a fun experiment and trying something new out. I would've never known that I'd still be playing the same tournaments in 5 years. Tomorrow, I play in the same tournament I played in 5 years ago. Hopefully, you learned something today, cya!
