Losing 7 of the last 10 games could just be normal variance. Sometimes we play okay but don't get lucky. If you are trying to improve (really for any rating), then it is about increasing your overall chess understanding and chess ability; it's not really about the rating numbers or winning a certain number of games. If you really learn and implement these things into your games, then you'll eventually gain rating as it naturally catches up to your ability.
I need a solid plan to get out of 200 Elo
Sort:
Nov 3, 2025
0
#3
Even though you are playing 30 minute games, I think you should concentrate on using your time more wisely. Take this game for example: https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/145065292444
Your blunders are because you are making moves in 15 seconds, rather than using your time to thoroughly check for hanging pieces, because you also had many opportunities to capture free pieces from your opponent that would have made you win the games. I looked at 3 of your recent losses, and each one showed this same pattern. Each game you lost with more than 20 minutes still on your clock. What good is playing with 30 minutes if you don't use it? I'd work on making sure to use at least 10 minutes of your time in the opening phase of the game.
You are watching Hambleton's Habits series, which is great! Now make consistent time management one of your habits and I think you will improve a lot.
Nov 3, 2025
0
#4
KeSetoKaiba wrote:
Losing 7 of the last 10 games could just be normal variance. Sometimes we play okay but don't get lucky. If you are trying to improve (really for any rating), then it is about increasing your overall chess understanding and chess ability; it's not really about the rating numbers or winning a certain number of games. If you really learn and implement these things into your games, then you'll eventually gain rating as it naturally catches up to your ability.
Thanks! No idea if it's normal variance, I feel like I'm playing much worse lately. And that's right, there are no magic solutions, I'm looking for a good plan to improve in the long term, there's no other way around it.
Nov 3, 2025
0
#5
HeckinSprout wrote:
Even though you are playing 30 minute games, I think you should concentrate on using your time more wisely. Take this game for example: https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/145065292444
Your blunders are because you are making moves in 15 seconds, rather than using your time to thoroughly check for hanging pieces, because you also had many opportunities to capture free pieces from your opponent that would have made you win the games. I looked at 3 of your recent losses, and each one showed this same pattern. Each game you lost with more than 20 minutes still on your clock. What good is playing with 30 minutes if you don't use it? I'd work on making sure to use at least 10 minutes of your time in the opening phase of the game.
You are watching Hambleton's Habits series, which is great! Now make consistent time management one of your habits and I think you will improve a lot.
thanks, I'll try to take some more time for my moves and see if it helps
You need to use your time to check your opponent’s threats. I looked at your last four losses. In two, you allowed mate in 1, after using only 10 or 15 seconds. In the other two, you lost pieces unnecessarily, not moving a bishop that was attacked by a pawn and giving up a knight for a check. You also did not take free material that was available.
on the positive side, you tend to make the first 5 or 6 opening moves in a sensible way, developing and occupying the center.
At this point, don’t try to learn any advanced concepts. You just need to get into the habit of checking your opponent’s threats. Then, when you see a threat, consider all of the options available.
You are playing 30 minute games, which is good. but as a previous poster said you need to use the time more effectively.
Good luck!
Trading for equal pieces is basically wrong. Chess progress isn't measured by your rating but by your potential rating.
Improving Your Chess - Resources for Beginners and Beyond…
https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/improving-your-chess-resources-for-beginners-and-beyond
Nov 4, 2025
0
#9
Just don't make blunders, That's (mostly) all you need to know to progress from 200 elo, this dosen't work when your elo gets high though.
Nov 5, 2025
0
#11
It's mostly about following key principles when playing. That approach helped me reach a 2000+ rating, and I teach others to do the same. You can learn them yourself as well. Here's an example of some chess principles: https://www.chess.com/article/view/principles-of-chess
Nov 5, 2025
0
#12
Take your time learning basic tactics and opening principles, analyze your games either you won or lost, I reccomend you practicing some puzzles before playing to keep your mind fresh. I also was stucked for a couple days at 300 Elo but with practice and patience you can get out easily, 5 months ago I was 200-300 Elo and now i'm almost 1000 Elo
Hi everyone!
feeling pretty frustrated as I'm not new to the game but have started taking it more seriously around a year ago. I almost reached 300 Elo but now I just can't seem to win games at all and lost most of my progress. I've been trying to follow Hambleton's building habits series, including developing to the middle and controlling it, castling asap, trading for equal value, etc. I only play 30 min games and have lost the last 7/10 games. I also solve puzzles, but I don't feel I'm improving at all. Should I resign to dropping under 200 and practices against players on my level?