How Do I Get Better
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theultimatecheckmatebro wrote:
so are u saying to take my time?
Definitely, yes. Also take your time when solving puzzles.
Only time I'd say to not do that is when doing puzzle rush, since that will hone your board vision instinct. The first 15 puzzles are almost always hanging pieces and 1-2 move mates. Doing this repeatedly can make your in-game blunder checks far faster.
Oh brother.
Terminated80 wrote:
jobsidian wrote: theultimatecheckmatebro wrote:
So hi everyone, so if you look at my profile; you can see my rating is VERY LOW so i really need help on how to get better. Anyone have suggestions?
I have LOTS of experience and I will give you some good tips and tricks which have helped me along my chess journey.
You are wise man.
playerafar wrote:
theultimatecheckmatebro wrote:
can u send a screen shot?
Are you on a laptop or a phone?
You should be seeing a column of at least nine buttons at the top left of your screen.
WIth the top one being chess.com's green pawn symbol.
If its not there - screenshot won't help.
so i have have it there but what does the second step mean?
Learn exactly how to think in the opening, middlegame and endgame — this is what I teach.
Always blunder-check your moves.
Solve tactics in the right way.
Analyze your games.
Study games of strong players.
Learn how to be more psychologically resilient.
Work on your time management skills.
Get a coach if you can.
102 Elo.
Jul 4, 2025
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#31
theultimatecheckmatebro wrote:
playerafar wrote:
theultimatecheckmatebro wrote:
can u send a screen shot?
Are you on a laptop or a phone?
You should be seeing a column of at least nine buttons at the top left of your screen.
WIth the top one being chess.com's green pawn symbol.
If its not there - screenshot won't help.
so i have have it there but what does the second step mean?
Under the chess.com pawn symbol at top left the next two down should be the Play button and the Puzzles button.
When you hover your mouse cursor on these buttons do dropdown lists appear on your screen?
They should. But it might depend on your mouse settings and whether you're using a laptop or phone. If you're using a phone and also the chess.com 'app' - that might be different too.
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I'm using a laptop in conjunction with an external 32 inch monitor and an extra keyboard.
Everything wired. No bluetooth or radio stuff or wifi.
And a very light cheap mouse with wire.
Makes for a lot of comfort. And extra speed and security.
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If i hover the cursor on that third button down which is 'Puzzles' - a list appears.
To get to the main Puzzles feature - the top button on that list should be clicked.
That button is also 'Puzzles'.
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If we continue this conversation I could show you how to use other valuable buttons.
But another idea is for you to try them all out yourself. See what happens.
So that you know what's going on.
Explore.
Jul 4, 2025
0
#32
theultimatecheckmatebro wrote:
So hi everyone, so if you look at my profile; you can see my rating is VERY LOW so i really need help on how to get better. Anyone have suggestions?
here's a pair of ideas that I don't think coaches mention much if at all - although the first one probably comes up a little bit.
1) don't exchange pieces/pawns without a reason either.
2) don't 'not exchange' without a reason.
Does it work out that way in practice?
Many if not most players don't like exchanging down. Its 'unpopular'.
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But in good play you exchange when its favourable - or you look to exchange.
If its not you don't. Or 'keep those pieces on the board. Better there.'
Those often get confused with 'playing for the win' versus 'playing for the draw.
They're diffferent but there's an overlap.
5. Never study openings.
Has been working 20+ years for me