Discouragement
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While I’ve never taken the game that seriously in the past, I’ve always at least known how to play. I joined the site about a month ago, and I assumed there would be an adjustment phase where I found out where my ranking really was. But it has consistently gone down each game. Every time I’m matched up against a person ranked lower than the prior, I discover that I’m still worse than that. I would fine if I was at least seeing improvement, but I’m consistently beaten over and over, with most of my victories being the result of a timeout by my opponent. How long should I keep playing before realizing this is pointless?
Manaze85 wrote:
While I’ve never taken the game that seriously in the past, I’ve always at least known how to play. I joined the site about a month ago, and I assumed there would be an adjustment phase where I found out where my ranking really was. But it has consistently gone down each game. Every time I’m matched up against a person ranked lower than the prior, I discover that I’m still worse than that. I would fine if I was at least seeing improvement, but I’m consistently beaten over and over, with most of my victories being the result of a timeout by my opponent. How long should I keep playing before realizing this is pointless?
Well, if you keep moving down, that indicates you haven't found your rating yet. So you wouldn't be getting worse, just still overrated. Keep playing until you stabilize. If you are still not at your correct rating, you might drop even while improving, (for example, if you had 800 rating but were a 400 player who improved to 500, you'd still keep dropping from 800 until you reach said 500, etc.) Once you reach your rating, you will be more evenly matched, winning and losing games at a fairly even rate.
That said, as for improving, you should play a slower time control where you have time to think over your moves. So instead of 10-0, perhaps 15-10, or slower. Focus on not giving away pieces for free and on taking your opponent's pieces when they give them away. Look over your games and post some of your close games or losses you are trying to understand so that players can give you more specific advice and point out ideas to use.