hello,
We could maybe try studying together. I find the best way to practice calculating ahead and plan is to take your tactic, and not make a single move till you've calculated it to the end. On average, it would take me 3 minutes to get the breakthrough, but chess.com tactics trainer makes you go faster. Try chesstempo with unlimited time for the tactics.
As for studying openings...it is usually not recommended at our level, because it's time lost where you could study something else and opponents often deviate quite a bit. Much better is to study endgames...or more tactics. For openings, just get a general idea of some main lines, and play with that. It's usually enough. But when it's not, you can look up the openings and see what you should have played (after trying to analyse for yourself...better visualisation).
Instincts are good, but not enough for long games. Just take the time to calculate. If you have lots of time, 3-5 minutes on complicated tactical moves can be good.
I've been playing badly recently, but I know some studying plans
Many experienced chess players advise me to work on my tactics. I know most of the tactical motifs; however, I do not know how to calculate and plan very well, so I am forced to rely on instinct. Recently I have been studying openings and have found one that I like, but when I play OTB, my opponents play moves that are not consistent with my study, leaving me to rely on my instincts.
I would like to participate in my first rated chess tournament this year, but I feel that I am not prepared. Having only been informed to work on my tactics and not opening, I feel I will not do very well relying on instinct,versus opponents relying on theory.
Can anyone suggest a good study method for improving my calculation and planning skills? Or would anyone be willing to partner with me,to study, and together we can improve or chess skill and knowledge. I have lots of chess literature, and I can share the good reliable book information with you.