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RealCheapo

I made a post a while back about how I was stuck at a 600 rating level for a while and wasn't able to improve after a while. The advice here was mostly to focus on puzzles and play longer games, and it was pretty helpful for the most part. Since then I've gotten my puzzle rating on chesspuzzle.net to near 1700, and I can now beat the 1000 rated bot on this site pretty consistently on the challenge mode. In one of my better games I was able to bring the 2000 rated bot to a draw. Even still, my actual rating is below 700. Once I get in to a real game, it's like I'm just starting out again. I don't know what to do at this point; it feels like I'm just missing one major aspect of the game. If anyone has advice, I'd really appreciate it. 

llama47

I looked at a few of your games. You're not following the opening principles. That's a pretty good place to start.

https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-principles-of-the-opening

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That article doesn't mention it, but in the 3 games I looked at there were 2 beginner level errors.

1) Don't move the f pawn in the opening.

2) Don't block your center pawns with a bishop (example below).

 

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If you'd like me to comment on a specific game let me know.

llama47

Here's an exercise you can do that's related to the opening principles. What you're going to do is make 10 moves (or fewer) in a row from the starting position. Your goal is to "complete" development. Development is "complete" when you've castled and there are no pieces between your rooks. Here's an example with 8 moves:

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Here's an example in 9 moves:

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And an example in 10 moves.

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Come up with a few of your own (must be 10 moves or less).

This sort of exercise is useful because it helps you focus on development. When a good player is playing the opening, they're basically doing this:

"did my opponent make a big threat with their last move?"

And if the answer is no, then they simply develop.

When I look at your games, you're pushing a lot of pawns and trying to attack with only 2 or 3 pieces off the back rank.

laurengoodkindchess

Hi! My name is Lauren Goodkind and I’m a chess coach and chess YouTuber based in California: 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5SPSG_sWSYPjqJYMNwL_Q

 

I have tips to help you improve your chess skills so you can win more games.  I always tell my students this.  

-Learn basic tactics such as the fork, discovered attack, pin, and more.  I offer interactive puzzles on my website: https://www.chessbylauren.com/two-choice-puzzles.php  

-I recommend two books for you: “50 Poison Pieces”   and “Queen For A Day: The Girl’s Guide To Chess Mastery.”  Both books are available on Amazon.com.  Both books are endorsed by chess masters!  

-If you are serious about chess, I highly recommend you hiring a chess coach to help you.  

-Also consider all checks and captures on your side and also your opponent’s side. Always as, “If I move here, where is my opponent going to move?”

Remember, all masters were once beginners too!  

I hope that this helps.  

tygxc

A rating of 700 is a sign of frequent blunders. Always check your intended move is no blunder before you play it. That alone will get you to 1500.

Moonwarrior_1

llama made some good points, but also make sure your playing longer games such as 10 min chess and before each move check for checks captures and threats. 

RAU4ever
RealCheapo wrote:

I made a post a while back about how I was stuck at a 600 rating level for a while and wasn't able to improve after a while. The advice here was mostly to focus on puzzles and play longer games, and it was pretty helpful for the most part. Since then I've gotten my puzzle rating on chesspuzzle.net to near 1700, and I can now beat the 1000 rated bot on this site pretty consistently on the challenge mode. In one of my better games I was able to bring the 2000 rated bot to a draw. Even still, my actual rating is below 700. Once I get in to a real game, it's like I'm just starting out again. I don't know what to do at this point; it feels like I'm just missing one major aspect of the game. If anyone has advice, I'd really appreciate it. 

Being stuck at 600 a while back and now being stuck at 700 shows you've improved a lot. Maybe you're expecting results too quickly. There are people that have played their whole lives and never gotten higher than 1400. There's a limit to what you can do in a specific period of time.

KxKmate
Often learning comes in leaps, not steps, as your brain processes new information and then learns how to best use it among the other information it already has. The important thing is having a consistent study plan however small that you work on and playing and reviewing your games for mistakes and figuring out why you’re missing them.
PerpetuallyPinned

I'd suggest 30 min games, if you can find people to play. Daily games may be even better.

As you know, you're learning. You can't think fast enough to play very well making moves in under 1 minute. That gives you 30 moves in a live game (31 if white). Don't focus on the time, focus on the pieces.