Well, I've started playing chess regularly now... but the thing is, my rating is stuck around 500. It's been like that ever since I started. So I want ways to improve my game. I've seen many people talking about books, so if have any suggestions.... or any other way to get better, please let me know.
Q: What was your avg. rating when you first started?
Q: How did you improve YOUR chess?
Q: Has anyone tried out that chess mentor thing? Is it any good?
Q1. When I first started, my average rating is 800.
Q2. Back then what I only are the rules. I don't know strategy and endgames concepts. I only have basic tactics idea of pin fork, and simple 1 or two move mates. Reading the basic book Play Winning Chess improve my game. After finishing the books, I always beat novice player level. I further read books to improve my chess. Winning Chess Strategy by Seirawan improve my game tremendously.
Q3. I never tried chess mentor. If I am you instead of trying chess mentor I will buy good chess books like Winning Chess Strategy by Seirawan.
To improve at chess you need to study endgames, tactics and middle games. As I suggested buy Winning Chess Strategy by Seirawan. For tactics try Chess Tactics for Champion by Polgar. For Endgame try Winning Chess Endgame by Seirawan.
Read and study well these books, and you will see good improvement in your game.
I just looked at alot of youtube videos and played bullet and blitz like crazy. I think this helped me developed all those tactical motifs and get use to how the pieces move quickly. But after you do that, you will get stuck and your rating won't get any better. I started to play slow games and look over my games.