My Best Advices as a Chess Coach✌️♟️
Since 2010, I've been teaching chess, and during this time, I can't even count how many times I've been asked the same question: "How can I improve? How can I become a better chess player?" Most people are looking for a "magic formula," a specific tip that will lead to rapid improvement. However, I have to disappoint everyone—no such magic formula exists. But I can offer three valuable tips!
Regardless of age, skill level, motivation, or goals, I always share the same three pieces of advice, which I believe are essential for anyone's development.
1. Always strive to be better than you were yesterday!
It doesn't matter what level you're playing at, what your goals are, or how much time you can dedicate to chess each day. It's good to have long-term dreams, but your goal should be to be better today than you were yesterday! If you only have time to solve five puzzles a day or watch one grandmaster game, then do that! Many people think that if they don't have enough time to commit fully, they shouldn't bother at all. That's a mistake! Whether it's a lot or a little, the key is consistency. Make chess a regular part of your life!
2. Don't compete with others!
Never measure your knowledge or performance against that of others. As the saying goes, "comparison is the thief of joy." Some people break world records as children but never become top players, while some grandmasters were virtually unknown until adulthood. We are human, not robots, and our rate of progress is influenced by countless factors, many of which are beyond our control. By focusing on this mindset, you'll find it easier to compete even against stronger players. It doesn't matter who's sitting across from you—what matters is what's happening on the board!
3. Don't measure success by results!
"I lost X rating points today; I must be a bad player." Have you ever felt this way? But being a bad player is not the same as playing a bad game! Even the best players sometimes have off days. Your main opponent is yourself. If, after the game, you can say that you did your best and gave it your all, then you're a successful chess player! In the long run, those who play well but lose games will be more successful than those who play poorly, but luckily win. Skill and work will eventually bear fruit, and the results will follow!
I hope these tips help you on your chess journey. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts—I'd love to hear your feedback!
