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How to get Better, Coach or Self Study?

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TadrodderTots

If you're not being paid to play Chess, it's a hobby.

How much enjoyment you get out of a hobby depends on what else you have going on in your life.  If I don't experience the summit of Chess Everest, hey - at least I don't have to worry about frostbite, avalanche, ... death.

 

I ... appreciate? ... StupidGM's cautionary tales.   His points would be better made if he, you know, had bothered to  play a game on this site, but that's his decision to make.

As the saying goes: 

   If you can't set a good example for others to follow,

  serve as a horrible warning.

 

 "Maybe I can win a pawn"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOzaIcZwpwQ


 

 

TadrodderTots

In an attempt to get this topic back on track:

null

 

 

I'd like to go back through the games I've played and start analyzing the various travesties I've committed against Chess.   What's the most efficient way to go about this?

I could use 4x6 index cards for each game, set up a sort criteria down  the right edge of the card, use a hole punch to classify the games, and the sort by sticking a rod through the deck and do it that way.  But that seems too old school.

I could use a tally sheet to start checking the "how I lost" and come up with 'why I lost'

My plan is to study the games, print off board positions and note "Board Position The Move Before You Blundered" and keep them in a binder.

I imagine that some software has been developed to allow this take place.

Any recommendations on what software to use?

I'd then like to work with a coach for a couple of sessions to 'learn how to learn' - have the coach identify some bad habits (remember, bishops can move backwards and that pawns are allowed capture queens), go over some basic tendencies to correct, and then I'll go play another set of games and come back for refresher.

If, as happens with Chess.com forums, I improve to the point over the next six months such that I, too, can claim to be in the running for World Chess Champion.

 


adlalam

https://www.chess.com/blog/Prasanna2013

 

RookSacrifice_OLD

StupidGM is a troll, don't read his posts. Basically he commits the weak player's fallacy of saying that engines are higher rated than humans, therefore you should learn from engines. You cannot learn from engines.

MuensterChess

Master_Po wrote:

Lessons are high, so say getting coached 2 or 3 times a week   versus 1. a) playing 30 games a week and going over the games each time for mistakes  b) reading books on tactics, openings, and midgame with a little OTB thrown in with players close to equal and one player 200 pts better.  

Which will make one a better player quicker in a year's time? 

(starting at the 1400-1500 level OTB level)  

I visit my coach only a a couple times a year. But that being said, I think the best case scenario is a mix of both. What should the ratio between coaching, and training- you'll will find that with a bit of trial and error and personal prefence. I personally like the quiet moments. Playing games, and analyzing. Reading a book here and there. But you may be different.

snow_rose
Coach can help you a lot, and analysis the mistakes with you, and tell you about the best moves ...etc.
but you can read books and watch videos in YouTube as well.
Aarshhere

thanks!

 

Aarshhere

for the tips

thardn14

self study

Bgabor91

Dear Master_Po,

In my opinion, you can reach a given level with self-studying but if you want to get a faster and more effective improvement, you should hire a coach. The reasoning is very simple: if you watch e.g. Youtube videos, you can learn a lot of important stuffs but it is not personal. A coach can analyse your games and explain your biggest mistakes to you. He can work out an opening repertoire for you which fits your style and improve your skills at chess which you really need. I am an official, full-time chess coach, so I can help you with that. Let me introduce myself. happy.png

My name is Gabor Balazs. I am a Hungarian FM, fighting for the IM title. My top ELO is 2435. I have been playing chess for 21 years. I won the Hungarian Rapid Championship twice (U16 and U18).

I love teaching chess and it is very important for me that both of us enjoy the lessons beside the hard work. I have pupils almost all the levels from beginners to advanced players (1100-2200 ELO).

You can see a lot of feedbacks from my coaching services here: https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-lessons/feedbacks-from-my-services

Why should you choose me?

- I have a widespread opening repertoire (a lot of openings are analysed by strong Grand Masters).

- I have a lot of chess books in PDF and Chessbase format, so I can teach you the main middlegame plans, the art of calculations, famous chess games and the endgame theory.

- I have elaborated, personalized training plans, which help you to improve your skills effectively.

- I help you analyse your games deeply, so you can realise your mistakes and learn from them.

- I am really flexible and hard-working person, the quality of my work is really important for me.

- My lessons are on Skype or Zoom with webcam and screensharing. (Skype ID: balazs.gabor91 ; Zoom ID: balazsgabor1991@gmail.com)

- I give homeworks, so you can also practice alone and I check your solutions in my free time.

- I answer your messages within 1 day, I am not the type of coach who disappears for a week after the lesson.

My hourly rate is 35 USD/hour.

Please, contact me (balazsgabor1991@gmail.com), if you are interested in working with me, I am looking forward to your message. happy.png