how can I improve?
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samboii
May 8, 2020
0
#1
I started playing seriously a couple months ago and I’m rated around 1000. I’ve been playing a lot and looking at the game analyses. I’ve also been watching lots of chess vids on YouTube. What else can I do to improve my game? Should I start to memorize openings?
Here's 15 pages of related threads. Bound to be something there for you...
https://www.chess.com/forum/search?keyword=how+can+I+improve%3F
There are a lot of things you can do. One thing would be just to practice puzzles. You can also try out new openings and try to find your favorite and then master it. You could try some gambits, but keep in mind when you reach a higher level you can't rely on gambits to help you win. Watch some chess videos on youtube. Here is a good channel to get you started: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLXYjOKeyT-KCwK09Bvvxwg?sub_confirmation=1
I love chess but I am not very good at it. I want to get better.
Improving Your Chess - Resources for Beginners and Beyond...
https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/improving-your-chess-resources-for-beginners-and-beyond
May 21, 2020
0
#6
I memorize openings when I was your level. I do not know why almost everybody discourage memorizing.
Training should be well-balanced. It should have aspects that are enjoyable and aspects that feel like hard working (for example, memorizing long lines in openings).
May 21, 2020
0
#8
StyleGiant wrote:
I memorize openings when I was your level. I do not know why almost everybody discourage memorizing.
Because when you memorize an opening, your opponent has to have memorized the same one if you expect him to make all of the same moves. And generally, there are two big problems with that. The first is, if the opening is great for you, why would your opponent want to make all of those moves that are bad for him? Of course, the second reason is more likely, your opponent has not memorized the opening and is just as unlikely to make the expected moves.
So, better to learn the principles behind openings and pick one or two you are most comfortable with, then play the position. Because when you get 3, 4, 5 or so moves into the game, you can't say, "hey, you're not supposed to move like that!" Openings and their lines were designed by Grand Masters to be played by GMs. Knowing the theory helps when you play a beginner who is no where near as competent as a GM, so will not be making all of those GM moves.
You memorize an opening and as soon as your opponent deviates from it, you're confused. Now what do I do? Know the theory and general principles and when your opponent deviates, you can think about the position and say, "Aha, this is what I should do now."
Oh yes, one last reason - there are just too many to memorize!! Good luck, either way. 
May 22, 2020
0
#9
m_connors: Without an opening repertoire I go nowhere but play my opponent's game. Purpose of memorizing is to always set-up every game according to my comfort and have some advantage. Tactics come out in a superior position. That is then I can apply my tactics training as well as using my acquired strategic/positional knowledge.
