Go over every game after you're done and understand the mistakes.
Do puzzles, like 20 a day.
I'd go for even longer than 10 minutes. 15 +10.
Watch daniel naroditsky on youtube play rapid and explain his thinking process.
(Advice) Intermediate Beginner Looking to Make It to the Next Level
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Over the last dozen or so days I’ve been able to lift my ranking from ~200 to ~500 after taking some advice from my cousin (~1400). I’ve been playing more 10 minute rapid games instead of 5min blitz. Have done the daily puzzle for the last three weeks or so. Use my weekly lessons, watch youtube videos etc. However, I am still making obvious mistakes that I often realize as soon as I do/don’t make a move. What frustrates me even more is the majority of the time I don’t understand how/why/when I lost. At least the number of losses I have when I do understand the reason for the outcome is steadily growing.
I guess the purpose of the post is to ask for any advice / recommendations / referrals to resources / strategies that helped you get out of the beginner skill level.
I’m determined, but impatient (working on it), which is why I think I prefer videos to the book I purchased. I would love to make it to 1,000 rating before the next year, and to beat my cousin as soon as possible. As I continue to lose to him even when I make a custom board with two extra pawns for myself and two less for him. Revenge is required before I travel back to Europe to visit him again.
Anyway, Thanks
GMwalt