I can't answer your question but maybe some of the higher rated players can. Good luck! 
What can I do?
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What do you feel are the weakest part of your play? How do you usually lose games? What criteria do you use to determine middle game plans and positioning your pieces over-all?
How is your thought process? Do you begin with an assessment, who is better, by how much, and why, and then formulate candidate moves starting with checks captures and threats if possible? You are a 1400 player because you play like one, and you know it, and that right there is a huge step in the right direction. You'd be surprized by how many lower rated players think they're rated lower than their "actual" rating strength.
1.No one is too good to refresh on basic tactics and endgames.
2.Every move leaves a change on the board, ask what does the opponent's move threaten.
Jul 23, 2013
0
#5
Since you're a Premium Member, I recommend that you use a Computer Analysis on every game (excluding blitz and bullet) that you can. I find them to be very useful in discerning the errors in my games.
For OTB games, I recommend downloading Arena w/ some free engines (I believe it comes with some) and use those for analysis.
I have used the "Computer Analysis" on a couple of games and it was VERY informative and useful! I had never used it and didn't really know that it was available. Thanks @Greenatic for the suggestion.
I usually lose to 1500 players in the middle game. Several months ago I decided to start using the King's Gambit Opening and try to become a consistent player with that. I think I can beat 1400 ranked players because they aren't always familiar with that opening and it opens the board up in a way they aren't familiar with. I think 1500 ranked players have seen it before and can lead the game in different directions.
I want to learn a new opening. I've been hit with the Queen's Gambit a number of times and it threw me for a loop. I may try to recognize and develop that.
What openings to you use? Which openings can take me further? Thanks for the input.
Jul 25, 2013
0
#7
Jabbok wrote:
I have used the "Computer Analysis" on a couple of games and it was VERY informative and useful! I had never used it and didn't really know that it was available. Thanks @Greenatic for the suggestion.
I usually lose to 1500 players in the middle game. Several months ago I decided to start using the King's Gambit Opening and try to become a consistent player with that. I think I can beat 1400 ranked players because they aren't always familiar with that opening and it opens the board up in a way they aren't familiar with. I think 1500 ranked players have seen it before and can lead the game in different directions.
I want to learn a new opening. I've been hit with the Queen's Gambit a number of times and it threw me for a loop. I may try to recognize and develop that.
What openings to you use? Which openings can take me further? Thanks for the input.
If you want to play an aggressive e4 opening as White, but one that is safer than the King's Gambit, the Scotch is quite effective:
I'm a 1400 player. I can win and climb in the 1400 rank but when I get to the 1500's I lose. What can I do to improve and become a consistent 1500 player?