Here with the same question which I'm sure has been asked countless times...Improving at Chess.

I'm a little frustrated at the moment, so please stay with me as I tell you a little about myself and proceed to explain my question.

I didn't start Chess until high school, where I did reasonably well, until I went to actual tournaments and played against others who seemed to know their stuff a little better than I did.

I live in a rural area, and no one that I know of around here plays Chess. So, I resort to here. I've only played 330 games total on here, and out of that 330, I've won exactly half (165). 

I play a lot of blitz, and I've had a fair number of rapid. But some of these games...they just frustrate me. I'll analyze afterward and be like, "Whoah, how in the heck did I miss THAT?" 

I just want to improve. I've watched You Tube videos on openings, traps, etc. but really...what advice can any of you suggest? I play a lot. But can any of you recommend methods, tools, phone apps (like Chessable, Aimchess, Decodechess, etc.) or even books?

Thanks in advance, and happy playing!

Look at studying opening and endgame principles and plans.

Hi MGT1991,

Have a look on the Perpetual Chess Podcast with Ben Johnson, he has an adult improve series that I've found very helpful. They say at out level (800-1400) tactics is the main thing to focus on. Look at My System and Chess Tactics From Scratch, I also found basic checkmate patterns on chessable very helpful. I had a quick look at a couple of your games and you're a good player! Dont give up! You're doing the right thing analysing your games. Dont get me wrong I'm only 1000 myself and no expert haha! But check out that podcast its excellent! All the best, liv-mic

Thank you for everyone who took the time to comment and share their thoughts. I  appreciate the positivity and the helpful suggestions! 

#1

"I've only played 330 games total on here, and out of that 330, I've won exactly half (165)."
++ That is right. Analyse your lost games so as to learn from your mistakes. 

"I play a lot of blitz"
++ Do not play blitz: it is fun, but worthless for improvement.

"I've had a fair number of rapid" ++ Rapid is good, especially 15|10

"I'll analyze afterward and be like, "Whoah, how in the heck did I miss THAT?" "
++ Analyse deeper: what were your thoughts? Did you consider the right move or not? Why did you chose to play the error? How much time did you spend on your mistake?

"I've watched You Tube videos on openings" ++ Videos are passive learning, that is bad. Openings are useless.

"traps" ++ Do not play for traps.

"I play a lot." ++ If you want to improve, you must find a balance between play and analysis.

"or even books"
++ Books are still the #1 resource. A good book is better than a mediocre coach. Do not overdo it: 1 book per year is enough. Better study it thoroughly than read it speedily as if it were a novel.
A great book is "Chess Fundamentals" - Capablanca 

I'll give two answers.

The long term answer that's maybe a bit frustrating is read books and play long time control games (like 30|0 or 10|15). For the book I'd say get a tactics book and a strategy book. For example Seirawan's Winning Chess series (not every book, just tactics and strategy). Openings are not very useful. Endgames you can study later.

The short term answer is calculate forcing moves (checks, captures, and threats). If one series of captures and checks doesn't win material, then try changing the move order. If you still don't see a way to win anything then find your least active piece and improve its position. Pieces like to be on a square where they're defended, centralized, and not be blocked by friendly pieces. Before playing your move look for all your opponent's check's captures and threats. Find the most annoying or scariest thing they can do. After that if you still like your move then you can play it.