Can't Seem to Improve. I finally found a way.!

I am a retired teacher and decided to learn to play chess as a hobby.  After joining chess.com and many other sites, buying books, watching videos, and trying apps on my tablet I didn't seem to improve and was about ready to give it up.  I had about a 400 rating and had played against many opponents and the computer, until it hit me.  In Russia, they start teaching their kids at about five years old and as beginners were considered to be about 800 elo, I was studing material I wasn't really ready for.  So I went to Chessable and bought "Beginning Tactics for Kids" and Beginning Strategy for Kids".  Now I am starting to improve an getting better everyday.  My rating is getting better and I am now in the real beginner material.  So, don't give up, give what I did a try as in chess terms, I was considered less than a beginner.

Richard Heer

Every beginner starts at a different place, and every beginner progresses at a different rate. I'm glad you found a new approach that is finally giving you results. I would also recommend playing longer games (at least 30 minutes). Rapid games will not allow you to apply what you're learning.

Congratulations for not giving up, and for not rejecting a book because it has "kids" in the title. It's not enough to study, you have to study the right things for your level.

Also, I highly recommend daily games. They provide lots of time to think and apply lessons from study.

I'm a beginner too. My rating dropped below 300 for a while. I was playing 10 minute games. I switched to 15 plus 2 games and turned on the confirm each move and I started to win. I haven't spent much time on the videos but I did buy a book but I haven't started it yet. I stay away from the premoves and fast games. I am also super terrible at games with a 24 hour time between moves

Good to see you Heer Richard.

Good Chess Books for Beginners and Beyond...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/good-chess-books-for-beginners-and-beyond

Improving Your Chess - Resources for Beginners and Beyond...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/improving-your-chess-resources-for-beginners-and-beyond

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell

Richard, you don't mention videos. I'm an old guy, too, 65, two months into a serious jones for chess. I am about to go over 600. I owe it all to videos. I have watched many, perhaps even hundreds. Message me if you would like some recommendations. 

I have not studied a lot of chess tactics or moves because I couldn't find any books I'd fall asleep reading and tips?

it is very nice

hope you get better and better

Thanks to you all for all your comments. I was a little worried that someone would think I regressed to much to get started.  That is why I explained my thought process in so much detail.

Richard Heer

Great idea

My name is Lauren Goodkind and I'm a chess coach based in California!  I'm glad you found a way to improve your chess game!  That's exciting!  

Laura, for older players who have started during covid, when should they begin to look for a coach? At what rating rank does coaching become important for improving?