I'm stuck just below 700 and I'm not sure what to do

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playerafar
Zig-guiny wrote:

Hi, i have been playing chess for around a year now here in chess.com but i have always faced a hard time when it comes to pulling my elo up. Most of the time I lose because my network is bad but when its good i struggle with calculating my moves in chess. Please recommend me a method of calculating my moves so i my improve

Some suggestions.
First - consider playing with an increment.
I don't know what time controls you're playing but for example when playing 5 0 ... play 5 2 instead.
The extra two seconds will partly compensate for slow connection.
You'll be able to win a won game. Like with a queen up for example.
One second just isn't enough and three seconds lengthens the game too much.
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Regarding 'calculations' a common mistake is to fail to separate them from 'observations'.
Observation is looking at what's going on in the position in front of you and in future positions.
Calculation is comparing carefully prepared sequences of moves - comparisons you must make because you must select a move.
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Third: Use of the opponent's clock time.
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Regarding observations its been my experience that its best to keep looking at the situations of the two kings first then the queens and so on down to the pawns.
That's because tactics should get priority.
Tactics involve 'killer' moves. The more valuable the pieces the more likely there's killer moves involved.
There's also 'looking at checks and captures first'. And threats. And threat-options.
And when its your move you'll have some pressure not only to figure out why your opponent made the move he made but separate from that - what that move actually did.
At both its arrival square and its exit square.
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However there's not really a 'checklist'.
Every situation is different and there's so much variety in chess positions and what the priority is that the mind would rebel against a 'to do list' anyway.

March_Robles

I'm the same as you Im stuck at 700 below

AK47_reigns
March_Robles wrote:

I'm the same as you Im stuck at 700 below

https://www.chess.com/blog/TheMonkPlayingChess/the-first-step

This can help you , many players have improved by this . I think this is perfect guide to reach 1000 elo ( few have reached , others on the way ) . This is precise to the point and effective , if it works for you do let me know, i would love to hear your improvement news .

Ashers-gonna-cook-you

same bro

mikewier

You might try reading some instruction books that cover basic opening and middlegame principles.

Reading may not be as much fun as playing. But in my experience, a few weeks with some good instruction books will be much more helpful at your level than simply playing many games against others beginners.

playerafar

balanced approach:
some slower time controls/some faster ones - some tactics puzzles - some endgame - middlegame - opening study (idea: middlegame to get priority) - a little coaching - some discussion with other players. Keep it balanced.

Jaedavey

Practice Openings- Easiest way to gain rating