Plateauing

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Bellers3

Hi all,

I'm new to chess (yes the queens gambit bought me here) but just recently like the title says I have Plateaued. I am doing the recommended things of  reading, watching streamers, lessons and puzzles ect. I understand being new to chess that everything is a learning curve but there is one thing I'm finding really frustrating and that's when fighting for space I continuously feel pinned down and blocked in where I can't seem to find a good or safe square to put my pieces. Can anyone pass on any advise on how I can improve this weakness in my game? 

Cheers!

Dzindo07

We can play a couple of games if you want. See where the trouble is.

MarkGrubb

When cramped, one approach is to seek trades. If you can exchange off some material this will give you more space to manoeuvre your pieces. Try to exchange off your worst pieces for your opponent's better ones. Easier said than done but you get the idea. Of course, avoid trades if you find yourself with a space advantage. They will only help solve your opponent's problems. As to why you end up cramped, maybe post a couple of games which you think are good examples and request feedback. I sometimes see beginners making timid pawn moves in the opening e3 and d3 when they could afford to throw them out further and grab more space.

Sigognac

Valuable advice Mark thumbup.png

laurengoodkindchess

I agree! Good advice, Mark!

Bellers3

Thanks for the advise all !

RAU4ever

About the plateauing: that's something people will experience when they get better at chess. Sometimes it even happens that you drop a little before you break through the barrier. This happens on loads of different levels and it's not something to be overly worried about. 

On getting into cramped positions: make sure that your pawns control enough space. Especially the center is very important. Also try to plan it out a little: if you make a move, look at your other pieces and see if the move you want to make makes it harder for them to develop to a good square. In one of your last games I saw you put your knight in front of your queen's pawn (Nd3), but that will make it hard to push that same d-pawn to let your bishop out. 

mrizzo14

You should be playing longer games. You can read books and watch lessons all you want, but as a beginner, you will not be able to apply what you've learned when you're racing against a 10 minute clock.

sarahasiddiqui
So sad I’m not good at chess plz help