Hi guys,
Christoph25, the fact that you are on this site means you are doing the correct thing. To improve your game you should be playing players that are stronger than you are. Don't stress over your problems transitioning from the opening to the middle game. Lots of players (myself included) have that problem. Best thing for you to be doing right now is playing lots of games.
Watch your backrank.
I've found that working from the endgame backwards works really well. I'd pick up a book like Silman's Complete Endgame Course (which I can't say enough good things about, by the way), and really work to understand what kind of endgame positions are winnable and which are draws or losses, and most importantly how to convert the wins.
From there, you'll begin to understand that kind of imbalances in the middle game might lead to a winnable endgame, and you'll get better at recognizing when the opportunity to simplify down to a won endgame exists and you can strive to trade off the remaining pieces to get there.
A key differentiation for me was a recognition that came about as a result of the process: You don't always have to go for the kill-shot in the middle game. As you begin to play stronger and stronger players, the tactical opportunities will be harder and harder to see, and will likely result in smaller returns -- the ability to take those small returns and convert to a win them is key.
All that being said, recognition of favourable imbalances is great, but the ability to create those imbalances in the middle game is where you'll begin to gain some consistency and really be able to elevate your play. For this, all I can say is tactics, tactics, tactics. I've become a bit of a puzzle addict myself and the Tactics Trainer is also a great tool. If you're tactical play is good enough, sometimes you'll get a little gift and discover a middle-game kill-shot, but when this doesn't happen, the ability to convert to a winning end-game will be key.
Hello Everybody,
I am a beginner in chess and there is some weird challenge I can't really overcome at the moment. With practice, I am getting better at opening and developing my pieces; up to a certain point. I start off strong and then I just start falling apart. It's frustrating because just when I think I am getting the upper hand, everything crumbles and I put myself in horrid situations. So I guess I am asking if I should sit down and try to memorize a certain way to develop my pieces or just keep on playing until I find my own style? My main struggle is knowing what pieces to sacrafice to gain better position. Any tips?