One brick at a time. Building a successful chess career.

One brick at a time and the house is built. We all know that going slow and steady is what it takes to reach a milestone. But what are the milestones in chess and more importantly, how to aim or fix these milestones and achieve them? How can we go about building a successful chess career while maintaining the enthusiasm quotient on an upward graph?

How often do you wonder, “I wish I were good at chess…” Maybe you want to be better at chess tactics or strategy or endgames. Maybe you’d like to be more confident or less panicky while playing a strong player.

Building a successful chess career requires work. It is not often that you can suddenly get better at chess with a tricky opening trap or gimmick.

However, I think a lot of chess players don’t improve simply because they don’t know how to build their knowledge and chess skills at the same time.

In this article, I want to outline a simple 10 step strategy to get better at chess. It does require work, lots of regular and repetitive work. But it can help simplify the process of crossing milestones in chess.

2. Form a group that shares your passion. Better still if all family members are involved!

Join a club or make one if there is none! That way the energy levels will be sustained. Back in those days when I was an amateur, I used to invite a lot of chess friends and they helped me when my energy was low, due to stress from other real-world situations.

That was actually a boon for me as if I had not had these friends to push me up I would have quit and stagnated, resigning to my fate.

3. Teach someone.

Yes… it may be strange to hear but teaching someone will give you a sense of what you have understood fully and what you have only a superficial understanding of.

You will be morally responsible and that will bring sincerity to your efforts.

I gained a lot by teaching some younger players a few things about chess training and in return, I was daily increasing my knowledge by conscious reinforcements and boosting my energy levels.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Sometimes a stronger player will take the pains to teach you something ONLY if you bother to ask.

Just try it.

I have met quite a few good souls who later on turned out to be good friends on my chess journey! You can try it out in your club or during a tournament.

5. Don’t be afraid of criticism.

Sometimes players who are far younger than you will chide you for your game quality. Take it in your stride.

After all, that kid is giving you a free lesson!

These nifty tips will be in your memory for a long time.

6. Spend some time doing self-study.

That is the most important tip I cannot stress enough.

Too many students of mine need to be weaned off the spoon-feeding that they undergo as beginners.

When they reach a certain level they must be forced to study on their own for some time daily.

This will give them a sense of achievement that will drive them to higher pursuits. A coach can only act as a battery charger.

The ‘capacity of the battery’ is what you will be increasing by self-study. It is your prerogative.

7. Meditate daily.

It is the hidden compass in your life that will constantly guide you on your path.

8. Take a break.

Once a week. This will help rejuvenate your mind and body and settle things down in a proper perspective.