On the matter of 'playing up' (i.e., playing higher rated players) or not, the most common advice I hear is try to play a lot of opponents who are about 200 ratings points higher than you are. On a statistical basis, you should be able to win about 1 in 4 of those games, giving you a chance each team with some positive result to avoid discouragement, knowing you'll be taxed playing the stronger players.
However, it is also good to 'play down' on occasion, against players you should be able to defeat. Doing so gives you practice at winning won games.
On balance, this sounds reasonable. However, regardless of your opposition, play to win, play seriously, don't play distracted. Else the game with not prove to teach you much ... though it might still be fun.
Good luck.
Hello. I am a 1100-1300 player currently, depends if u go by live or online chess rating. The past month i have played chess often. On average 3-5 games a day. And i have joined this site to improve my game. Now i ask you veterans, what is the best way to improve? Should i be playing players around my rating or play someone around the 1500-1600 range? Do the videos on here, trainers, and mentors really help you improve? Thanks in advance everyone.