My 8 month Chess Journey: From novice to a better novice.

Eight months ago, I started playing chess with the enthusiasm of an addict. Now, 5,000 games later, with a mix of rapid and blitz formats, I’ve reached a 1450 ELO rating. I want to share some insights I’ve gained along the way.

Key Advice from a Fellow Learner:

1. Opening Strategies: Initially, I limited myself to the King’s Indian Defense and Attack, too apprehensive to explore other openings. This was a mistake. My advice is to pick two different openings – one for playing as white and another for black. Don’t restrict yourself like I did; learning varied openings is key.
2. Practical Skills Over Theory: At this stage, delving deep into theory and watching countless videos might not be as beneficial as you think. Focus on mastering tactical moves like skewers and forks. Learn to be comfortable in situations where you can’t castle. Remember, a lot of your skill will develop from muscle memory and subconscious reflexes, which improve with the number of games you play.
3. Mind Your Mental Health: It’s crucial to take breaks. If you find yourself losing 100 points, don’t fall into the trap of rage-playing to recover. Step back, take a few days off. If you’re losing on time in blitz, switch to rapid until you regain your confidence. Avoid Bullet chess for now; the quick reflexes required here might hinder your progress in other formats. Save Bullet for when you cross the 1500 mark.
4. Consistency is Key for ELO Growth: There’s no secret trick to increasing your ELO rating; it’s all about consistent play. Stick to a regular playing schedule and you’ll see gradual improvement.

(Please note this is my brief experience and opinion,)

Amen. I just made 1000 in wrote a post saying many of the same things.