How to improve?

Hey all! 

I recently decided to invest more time into improving my chess game. I have a bunch of resources (MCO, Logical Chess, My System, etc.), but I'm having a hard time integrating all the "knowledge" into my games. What is the best way to improve? Just play a lot more games?

There's some truth to be said with that last comment..... Best way to improve is to analyse your games, limit repeating the same mistakes. Don't play rated games when your tired or stressed.... Play good bots

Some don't play bots but I get my arcade fix by bot games. Enjoy the journey, try not to get to frustrated by lack of progress, it sneaks up on you over time.

Play 15+10 games or slower...and think carefully on each move.

And play good opponents to learn how to play better moves.

Learn an opening that make you very comfortable and learn some basic tactic and end game.

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

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

I think above all else learning how to think through positions will help your chess the most. Obviously you’ll need to gain knowledge, tactical patterns, maybe opening theory as you progress, but being able to look at any given position, break it down to what’s going on and then finding a move/idea from that will help your chess so much. Early on we have this mental block on being able to isolate the “truth” of a position and often make haphazard, random like moves that aren’t what the position calls for. If you can work on a consistent thought process to look at positions and follow a plan you’ll probably improve at a steady, possibly fast pace than chasing the latest opening trap/theory, or wandering from book to book gleaning knowledge here and there. 

Alternatively, a mentor/coach may be excellent to learn chess, but “free” is hard to come by and paid coaching isn’t possible for many. 

-Jordan

Here is what I did when I was starting out:

https://www.chess.com/blog/nklristic/the-beginners-tale-first-steps-to-chess-improvement

I hope it will be useful to you.

Many people say that theory doesnt matter however, I find theory saving me and winning me games. For example, when one of my oppoenents played the stafford gambit, instead of falling into traps I play the moves narodisky reccomends and get out of the opening with a winning positon.

I have no idea what those acronyms are?

When I got back into chess, I started with tactics, followed by attacks, consider all checks or materials gains or exerting more positional pressure and my defence was counter attacks; just have fun because the chips and blunders fall where they fall.

Anything else is background music until you are 1800.

Yes, play games and puzzles. I would not try to tackle My System until you are at least 1200. Logical chess is easier but don't try to memorize everything, just pick up the basic principles that Chernev keeps harping on about. Modern Chess Openings - probably wait until you reach 2000!

Ehi tritlo! i can suggest what worked for me!

Personally i found Speedruns on youtube by Grand Masters (like Daniel Narodistky and Chessbrah) particularly educational for what to think and look for in specific parts of the game. A part from that studying an opening and familiarize with that is a great start to know what to do in the first part of the game! 

A speedrun on specific opening could be a great start

However i suggest to start woth daniel narodistky videos, which are the most educational, although not really focused on specific openings

You should learn most important principles of a chess game. That will give you a solid understanding of a chess game and you will know what to do in every position. Then, you should optimize your calculation so you don't miss tactics in your games. Your rating will skyrocket. I can help you with all of this. Message me if you are interested.