seize_the_dave's Intermediate Study Plan

Hi Everyone,

I'm Dave from the UK. I've been playing chess since I was young but picked it up again in earnest during the COVID-19 pandemic. I'm just starting on the intermediate study plan with the following tools:

1. "Short and Sweet Italian" course on Chessable
2. Tactics on Aimchess / Daily Puzzle / Puzzle Rush on Chess.com
3. "100 Endgames You Must Know" course on Chessable
4. A mix of rapid and daily games on Chess.com, with analysis on Chess.com. Games added to a study on Lichess (for repeated motifs of where I make mistakes)

Some stats that I hope to improve:

• Bullet: 1139
• Blitz: 1006
• Rapid: 1232
• Daily: 1340
• Puzzles: 1974

If you fancy a game (rapid or daily), drop me a challenge!

Here's my collection of games since starting the study plan:

https://www.chess.com/c/Q7DJErYv

Here are my stats this week:

• Blitz: 1005 (-1)
• Rapid: 1250 (+18)
• Puzzles: 2002 (+28)

I've been trying to play less blitz as it's not great for applying what I'm learning. Chess.com rolled out the new puzzle format on mobile, so I've been trying that out which means my puzzle score is slightly better.

I haven't done much tactics this week, but my rapid is definitely better in the endgame after studying the endgame course on Chessable.

Here are my stats this week:

• Blitz: 1020 (+15)
• Rapid: 1274 (+24)
• Puzzles: 1982 (-20)

A good week for rapid progression. I'm trying to build a stream on the endgame and Italian courses on Chessable, but Aimchess hasn't received much attention.

My focus has largely been on trying to be a bit more methodical in my calculation, but I still find myself relying on my (not very good) instincts. I think if I be more methodical, I could see a decent jump.

Stats for this week aren't great!

• Blitz: 1000 (-20)
• Rapid: 1264 (-10)
• Puzzles: 1959 (-24)

Falling across the board, but starting to be a little more aggressive. Also playing more blitz, which isn't great!

Just wanted to chime in and cheer you on! You are doing great! Ups and downs suck but great work!

Seeing some improvement in rapid:

• Blitz: 998 (-2)
• Rapid: 1285 (+21)
• Puzzles: 1959 (0)

I'm slowly working through 100 Endgames on Chessable, and am trying to put together a streak on Aimchess.

Mainly a focus on puzzles over the last week. More rapid games than blitz (a good thing), plus some OTB thrown in for good measure.

• Blitz: 975 (-22)
• Rapid: 1271 (-14)
• Puzzles: 2182 (+223)

LOTS of rapid games (still the odd couple of blitz) and Chessable study this week, including Woodpecker Method, 100 Endgames..., and the Short Italian course. I think the workload might be becoming too much.

• Blitz: 990 (+15)
• Rapid: 1334 (+63)
• Puzzles: 2182 (0)

Continuing with lots of Chessable study this week, including Woodpecker Method, 100 Endgames..., and the Short Italian course. Currently load is about 100 puzzles per day.

• Blitz: 989 (-1)
• Rapid: 1392 (+58)
• Puzzles: 2182 (0)