Help

I learned how to play chess when I was about 7 and played games now and then, but I've just recently started getting obsessed by it (I'm 17). I'm not sure how to approach studying chess. I've studied different openings and done tactical training exercises, but I feel like it isn't helping. I play live chess a lot, but I have trouble beating anybody over 1000 pts. What should I do? I know I should just keep playing, but I'm not getting any better. I need some solid advice, something other than to keep trying. Help?

Play with longer time controls and take your time to think! An average game is often less than 40 moves. If you play 10 minute games, that averages 15 seconds per move. If you are learning, that is nowhere near enough time to think of what you should be doing. If you are playing live games, you should be playing with closer to 1 hour time controls. If you cannot commit that much time in a single sitting, then play online games with 3 days time control per move. Then you have time to think each move out. Think about what you would do, and think about how your opponent would respond.

You will be surprised how your game progresses if you just give yourself time!

Thank you!

Those are seasoned players, don't worry too much about losing. Try to keep your pieces safe and win!

Also, if you are playing live, try to ration your time so you end up using most of it. That also gives you time to think. Don't get tricked into making quick (and bad) moves just because your opponent is moving fast.

thats one way. I learn by watching videos of high level chess games where a GM explains the moves and why they are good moves. Also if you play the computer that is balanced you can learn alot. Just notice where the computer places its pieces and think why (the computer should be 1100 if your 1000, raise it as you get better). Chess is about king safety, controlling the centre and developing your pieces. At 1000 you probably not getting better cause your not seeing your opponents mistakes or you dont know how to take advantage of them. Try to play less and comtemplate more. Find a good chess book. Once I found one that was really good for me, but alot werent that good.

One missing piece of advice in this thread is that you need to show your game losses to a strong-er player (atleast 300-400 points from where you are at) and have him/her identify your bad chess habits and holes in your thought process.   If you're thick-skinned enough, consider posting these games on chess.com and you'll find a few good people out here ready to give you some solid advice.

Though why stop there ... If you really love this game and are willing to invest a little in it, consider working with a good coach.   

Thanks everyone, this helped a lot. Also, if anyone would like to play a game with me and tell me what I'm doing right/wrong, that'd be nice as well! :D