Tips to 1800 elo in rapid chess

Sort:
suyog_2517

What should I focus on in order to further improve and reach a level of 1800? Are there any books or videos that you would recommend for me? Also should pawn structure be studied in this level or should I focus on tactics more ??

Dumbluck626

I would highly recommend Levy's video on how Alphazero changed Magnus's game. Start playing less like a NM and more like a drunken uncle to improve fast.

blackmore324

I am in the same boat as you. To improve past this point, you need actual discipline and focused study, which I don't have the patience for. I picked up chess during the pandemic and improved rapidly because I could play a lot of games and watch a lot of videos. Nowadays I've got a job and other hobbies. I bought a book called My System but never ended up reading it. Tactics are fun and everything (my favorite part of chess) but at 1800 they don't come as easy as lower levels. Apparently, in order to advance to higher elo, you need to git gud at positional play which doesn't come as intuitively for me. Also, I swear sometimes when I play I notice some people who are just able to blitz out 10-12 moves of book, I can't compete with that so I try to play more off-beat openings that aren't as good but I know my opponent hasn't studied either.

blackmore324

Also it helps to get past 1700 first before getting over 1800.

Cobra2721

Checkmating the opponent usually works

michaeleon

Great article

HalivPopotk

Silmans complete end game course. Basic things with a lot of nice tips and tricks in there. Splits the knowledge you need in elo segments so it is very easy to absorb the material when you reach the required elo.
Silmans how to reassess your chess. Middle game book. Gives you a list of things to keep track of during your middle game which in turn helps you form plans. EXTREMELY easy to read. For the most part you can literally just read the book and play the moves in your head.
Chessmaster grandmaster edition pc game. End game lessons. I really loved those 15 years ago when i found out about them. Especially bishop endgames. Just chill with a cup of coffee and watch them and the concepts stick with you.
And tactics.
Just with these 4 things i went from 1000 to 1800+ in rapid 30|0 and 90|30 in less than a year about 7-8 years ago.