Adult beginner and the 80/20 principle...

I am in a similar situation. The site My Chess Lines  has been a great way to learn and practice openings.

If you have 7 hours a week to spend on this game, I think you should do something like:

- 2 hours of puzzles. Aim to attempt about 15 puzzles in those 2 hours. Take your time and try to focus on accuracy, rather than speed.

- 3 hours of playing rapid games. I'd choose a time control like 15+10 where you can expect to get through about 6 quality games during this time. It's way better to play a few slow games than play heaps of blitz/bullet games.

- 30 mins of analysis. Just check over your rapid games with an engine and see where you went wrong. If you don't understand, then post that position in the forums and people will help you.

- 90 mins of watching YouTube videos. I personally think that IM John Bartholomew is great, but there are plenty of other options out there. Just find any chess YouTuber who speaks and explains things in a way that you understand.

There should be a way for us to give GOLD STARS to posts we like a bunch.  (IMBacon's, MarkGrubb's and more of you would get starred like crazy from this guy!)

Thanks for all your great comments.  We beginners are eating them up!

tasty

I strongly agree. There is so much garbage on the chess.com forum, people who give good advice in a respectful and friendly way should be recognized.

Some great helpful tips above, many thanks to all the contributors.   I am 62, a beginner and I'm on the road to trying to improve.  Great to read a post where folks are being helpful 👍

Its posts like this that give me hope for these forums.