April 2020 Goals
So yesterday I published by well thought out, yet very flexible goals for 2020 in terms of chess, and now that we are half-way through the month of May, I decided the best course of action would be to release my goals for this month.
The first may appear may appear to simple, but to sit down, focus, and draft a well thought out blog post isn't as simple as a Facebook or Twitter post. No, this is my time to flex that English Literature degree I earned from college (still trying to find ways to utilize my minor in Latin), and draft up well thought out goals and initiatives that will lead me to my ultimate goal.
If you missed my 2020 Chess Goals post, simply click HERE
GOAL 1 - Write 5 Blog Posts
So for my first chess goal for May 2020, is to write 5 blogs posts (this is #2). My vision is to write up a report on each of my USCF tournaments that I participate online, with my games, results, and notes/notations. This could be as much as 3 times a week, however with a wife and 2 year old daughter, I refuse to set too high of expectations that may cause additional strain on the family during this quarantine pandemic.
GOAL 2 - Puzzles for 35 Hours (Currently at 25 Hours with a rating of 1731)
Okay, I have a confession...and that is I sometimes avoid Puzzles (aka Tactics Trainer) like the plague sometimes, and it's only for one very simple reason....they are addicting. Puzzles are like Pringles, you can't just enjoy one, as starting it up leads me on this path where I'm realizing that I have been staring at my computer screen for hours, trying to beat my score.
As of right now, my stats say that I have attempted 2419 puzzles, with my puzzle rush record being only 22.
GOAL 3 - Bullet - 500 Games (Currently at 338 games with a rating of a 1159)
Simple idea here, and that is to simple play more games. Now, this isn't 500 games total, but instead get to where I have completed 500 games. I figure a few of the Chess.com arena tournaments will help me easily get here, but the goal will not to lose my mind over my lack of desire to make quick, rash, decisions in a game of chess.
GOAL 4 - Blitz - 600 Games (Currently at 419 with a rating of 1206)
Same as above, but as I mentioned in my 2020 goals, this is my favorite time control, and my goal is to just focus on some of the traps that I tend to fall for, analyze my openings, and to learn better time management.
GOAL 5 - Rapid - 50 Games (Currently at 22 with a rating of 1337)
Not a ton of experience online at this time control, but this is going to be closer to what I'll experience in an OTB tournament.
GOAL 6 - Lessons - Complete 'Think Like a Chess Player"
The 3rd tier of lessons provided my Chess.com, which includes the courses listed below. Today alone I carved out time to complete 'Make the Most of Your Pieces', and which this was definitely basic, I do enjoy the lessons and I believe these can really solidify some of the basic tactics that I may otherwise overlook.
GOAL 7 - Drills - Complete 'Checkmates', 'Endgame Fundamentals', and 'Endgame Practice'
I have personally found a lot more learning in these drills than I have in the Lessons. The Checkmates is one that I have almost completed, and it certainly forces me to focus on getting my pieces to work together, and gives me a better understand of what can and cannot lead to an eventual checkmate.
For the Checkmate one, I actually enjoy doing them before I play a tournament just to warm up my brain about what the ultimate goal of my upcoming tournament is.
GOAL 8 - Complete Part One of Silman's "Reassess Your Chess"
I have always heard of great things from this book, and so I plan to work through this book this year.
Section is titled 'The Concept of Imbalances', and is 28 pages long. I assume to get the most out of this book, I'll need to read, maybe re-read, and work through these sections on a physical chess board ANY using the online chess board.
Depending on how much I obtain from this book, I may end up writing a few posts regarding it, and asking for you help in diving deeper or asking for more clarification.
GOAL 9 - Complete Part One of Silman's 'Complete Endgame Course'
Another book that I have heard a lot about, and plan to work my way through. My biggest challenges with these books is trying to slow myself down and not rush...to make sure that I focus on understanding, and not just finishing....to enjoy the journey...well, you get the point.
Section one of this fine book is called, 'Endgames for Beginners (Unrated-999)', and I fully believe that this will further assist me with my goal to be an Endgame Wizard. As someone how learned through his Dad and best friend, I am hoping that by focusing on the foundation, that I will learn more of the theory and less of pushing pieces just because it appears to be the right move.
* * *
And there you have it for my chess goals for May of 2020. Certainly appreciate you reading, and check back for updates, general posts, and my monthly review PLUS next month's goals which will come at the beginning of June.
Stay safe and Chess on!
May 2020 Chess Goals
- Write 5 Blogs Posts
- Puzzle for 35 hours (Rating at 1731 & Currently: 25 hours)
- Bullet – 500 game (Currently rated 1159 with 338 gamed)
- Blitz – 600 Games (Currently rated at 1206 with 419 games played)
- Rapid – 50 Games (Currently rated at 1337 with 22 games played)
- Complete Lessons
- Think like a Chess Player
- Complete Drills
- Checkmates
- Endgame Fundamentals
- Endgame Practice
- Work through Part One of Silman’s Reasses Your Chess
- Work through Part One of Silman’s Endgame Course
