Changing my style of play!

My current tendency is to clear off the board and play with a simpler position. That just doesn't work so well for someone like me who has not necessarily studied the end game very well at my level.

What style do you prefer and how well does it work for you?

Why clear the board when you have so many great pieces?  Try playing less blitz and more 3-day/turn games.  You will see an improvement in your play.

"Style? I have no style." - Karpov

I like to play 'maintain tension' moves. The first time I read this in a chess book I thought it was one of the greatest ideas. I think it can really unnerve opponents at my level since they seem to usually perfer open games.

If I am up even a pawn, I will often work to simplify while ensuring I am able to keep the pressure where my pawn advantage is.

I see now you are playing blitz. So, probably, the way you are doing it is the best option.

I am starting to see that connection! With blitz, it's almost always a race to the finish and less chess.

I won't jump on the 'Blitz isn't real chess' bandwagon. I think it is fine if people like the fast pace.

But, it definitely does very little if anything to improve your chess skills.

I know you didn't ask for any type of advice. But....I would agree with Aaron; if you are interested in getting better and changing your style, you might want to consider playing Online Chess games AS WELL. 'As well' Is in caps because you still need to play timed games. And, if blitz is what you like to play, you should keep playing it. If you do start playing Online Chess games as well, and do it right, you will see your blitz playing improve.

Here is a thread where I posted my process for Online Games. This has helped my live play (30/0) quite a bit:

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/is-it-better-to-play-lots-of-games-or-fewer-when-not-tired

It's a bit like Kung-fu isn't it? Everybody likes kung fu fighting but then like in that movie karate kid, no one has the patience to really learn. I need a guru. "Jacket on, jacket off ..." ...

http://youtu.be/8vNku8fGeR4

Is anybody else singing the song, "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas?

That was intentional! :D

Lol. CK, as with any kungfu movie...they have ta film it slowed down...meaning, those martial artists move too fast for the naked eye to see!

It's not soo much as changing your style as adding to what you already know.

8)

Actually, when I hear Kung Fu, I think of a grasshopper.

Kung fu Panda reference! My favorite character was Master Oogway.

I tried not to give in my tendency of clearing the board and instead tried to control the center of the board. I plonked my knight dead center at some point. The game would've gone south had it not been for some obvious blunders from my opponent. But either way, keeping my knight dead center opened up a whole lot of threats. Good in the end. Lesson learned about advantageous squares. BTW, I posted this from my computer, seemed so 2007. I use the iPad for play

I wonder why he made the move 6...Bd6?  Was he trying some new variation.

you cant change your style... As the word already says style is something personal. Everybody has his own style, like you. You can just play other openings or structures, but your style will be the same....