@jfr : I spend roughly the same time analyzing than playing. Sometimes I spend more time analyzing long games.
I happen to find this process very enjoyable. If you dont, you can either convince yourself this is a very important improvement tool, or just find other ways that suit you :-)
Sutirtha11 wrote:
How can I improve from the level I'm on? Roughly a 1450 OTB player to the next level?
I can't devote a lot of time to chess. Roughly 1-2 hrs a day.
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Your photograph of Capablanca concentrating at a chessboard is an excellent choice. In some people's opinion he was the greatest "natural" chess genius that ever lived.
Concerning your question about how to improve, there are 5 visualization pattern memory banks that have to be built in to your brain with study and practice. The 1-2 hrs. per day that you have available to study and practice is sufficient. The 5 memory banks are:
1.Tactics visualization pattern memory bank.
2.Mating Net visualization pattern memory bank
3.Endgame visualization pattern memory bank
4.Opening visualization pattern memory bank
5.Middlegame visualization pattern memory bank.
I guarantee you that after practicing tactics for 1 month for 1 1/2 hrs. per day following the practice process you will see dramatic results. What will happen when you are analyzing any position the tactic ,if it is present in the position, will JUMP UP OFF THE BOARD AND SMACK YOU ON THE FOREHEAD IN A FLASH!!