Several Questions
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Learning good openings, chess books have helped me there, and the tatctics trainer on here are a good place to start. Just playing alot and learning from how others play can make a diffrence.
1) I believe there might be, but very few players ever reach their maximum potential rating.
2) They help in basic tactical recognition, as well as higher-level applications of said tactics. The other option are Chess Books, which I recommend be used before the teaching programs.
3) When you play, and, as you get experience, your calculation abilities will improve if you attempt to look multiple moves ahead, at the situations that could result from your move.
4) A balance is needed. I like to study chess, but I also play often. Both of these activities hone my skills and help me improve. What I personally do, is, when I am on this site, I set up a chessboard next to my computer and go through Chess Books when it is not my move in any of my games.
Unbeliever
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Fischer once said:
''I study chess 300 days a year, i play chess 60 days a year and i rest for 5 days a year.''