To seek a coach or not - Chess Forums

Dec 30, 2018

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#1

I really want to improve at this game as my chess is abysmal. I think I can count on one hand the number of games I’ve won against an old chess computer at its easiest level. Anyway, I just really would appreciate if anyone could tell me how internet chess coaching works, (for example, can you use FaceTime?) Can coaches accommodate adult learners and treat their desire to progress seriously, rather than writing them off because of their age? Are there encouraging coaches out there, as opposed to a coach who would just point out all your failings, and can you do lessons like every two weeks or so? All kind of silly questions, but I want to know if it’s worth my while taking the next step. Grateful to hear anyone’s positive experiences.

arran01

Dec 30, 2018

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#2

Thanks for the comprehensive response. I think I successfully manage to implement opening principles fairly well and I need to work on the other aspects you suggest.

arran01

Jan 4, 2019

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#3

Thanks for all suggestions and offers by messaging. I'll be in touch.

IMKeto

Jan 4, 2019

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#4

Lay off the blitz, bullet, and rapid. How do you expect to improve, and implement the things you're learning into your games when you're moving fast?

Stick with the basics for now. At your level a coach isn't really necessary.

Opening Principles:

Control the center squares – d4-e4-d5-e5
Develop your minor pieces toward the center – piece activity is the key
Castle
Connect your rooks

Tactics...tactics...tactics...

The objective of development is about improving the value of your pieces by increasing the importance of their roles. Well-developed pieces have more fire-power than undeveloped pieces and they do more in helping you gain control.

Now we will look at 5 practical things you can do to help you achieve your development objective.

They are:

Give priority to your least active pieces.

Which piece needs to be developed (which piece is the least active)
Where should it go (where can its role be maximized)

Exchange your least active pieces for your opponent’s active pieces.
Restrict the development of your opponent’s pieces.
Neutralize your opponent’s best piece.
Secure strong squares for your pieces.

Don’t help your opponent develop.

There are 2 common mistakes whereby you will simply be helping your opponent to develop:

Making a weak threat that can easily be blocked
Making an exchange that helps your opponent to develop a piece

Pre Move Checklist:

Make sure all your pieces are safe.
Look for forcing moves: Checks, captures, threats. You want to look at ALL forcing moves (even the bad ones) as this will force you look at, and see the entire board.
If there are no forcing moves, you then want to remove any of your opponent’s pieces from your side of the board.
If your opponent doesn’t have any of his pieces on your side of the board, then you want to improve the position of your least active piece.
After each move by your opponent, ask yourself: "What is my opponent trying to do?"