Free Chess Advice

if you are a beginner, understanding the main ideas is key. however, the better you get, the more you'll have to know in terms of exact variations in order to survive. you'll figure it out... 

(i've lost many games due to lack of opening knowledge. once you lose a game like that, study! )

it's natural, and when it happens, stop playing chess and do something else

Whats better Unrated or rated

for online chess? it doesn't really matter, what matters is how you play the game, and if you learn anything from it!

First: identify your weakness. what do you suck at? openings? middlegame? endgame conversion? spotting tactics? knowing what pieces to trade?

Second: read lots of books, try to find ones that are related to your weakness(s). the more you read, the better!

Third: Play some games, and try to use what you've learned to play better!

Try to do this rotation every day or 2 days

Which is easiest endgame to win with one pawn advantage? All pawns on one side of the board.

A. Rook endings

B. Minor piece endings

C. Queen endings.

Do you play the Kings Indian Averbakh Variation? I am looking for just some basic advice on that opening.

Hello! How do I improve at complicated chess tactics (tactics involving lines that are at least 3 or 4 moves in advance)? I have heard that puzzles and practicing chess helps with this, but is there anything else that will help me with this? Thanks.

a. definitely not rook endings

b. knight endgames are easier to win than bishop endgames. bishop endgames up a pawn are pretty drawish

c. queen endgames all depend on how passed the pawns are and king safety

no.... sorry

ah that's ok

how did you make it to 2563 puzzle rating because I'm suffering in 1800+?

are you good at finding 2 move combos? If not,  work on that.

then work on 3 move combos, then 4, so on

do lots of tactics. the more you do, the better you'll get. if chess.com tactics don't even give you 3+ move combos, then you're not at the level strong enough to spot those!

i actually suck at chess.com puzzles, so no tips there... sorry again

When I am studying, what should I focus on that will take me to 1800 strength? Is it completely personal, or are there things that people in my rating range tend to be very bad at that I could take advantage of?

hmm sad :(

you should definitely read Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual, you are ready for that. Check out my blog! Lots of great books there too

Overall, now is a time for you to stop playing 50/50 chess and studying. You should study a lot more, and really try to understand new things.

wow we hit 100 posts already!

i guess i could say that repetition is important. the best way to remember a tactical theme is to see it many times!