Chess is mainly about confidence. Contrary to what people think – Knowledge is not power – at least in chess. Self-confidence is the real power needed for Breaking into the top.
Have you seen the strong chess players keeping calm, despite all the turmoil happening at the chessboard?
Well, if you noticed, they are exuding a confident approach to the position and also seem to enjoy it.
How is the super-achievers Breaking into the top of their chess categories?
Here is my take on this question. Having two decades of chess training and teaching online chess lessons to smart kids I think I see something common in all the bright lights.
4 Qualities that Super Achievers have
1. Regular and daily practice.
Self-confidence is a by-product of regular practice.
I am not talking about the Super GMs who are at the very top – but my interest is in my students, who are dedicated to climbing the chess ladder of their category. Even if the position on the chessboard is not encouraging, they will not give up without a fight.
They have experienced, how lost positions can be salvaged by sheer tenacity. That experience in the training regimen will serve them the required confidence.
I can understand the difficulties in the past when there were no proper resources to help us in our chess learning. Nowadays we can get almost any information in a jiffy. BUT, there is also a drawback in this age of unabashed googling, and that is – everything seems confusing and distracting.
If all the information was presented in a properly structured format, customized to the understanding levels of the aspirants, then it is a blessing in disguise.
All this is happening due to the plethora of learning options available, to these kids. Whether it is in getting a decent game to play every day with their peers or to learn chess online every other day with their coaches who may be living on the other side of the world, they are blessed with choices!
3. Physical exercise and Stamina
You must be thinking, they don’t complete a hectic training session every day. It can just as well be walking, low-impact weight lifting, Tai Chi, or Yoga. The keynote here is not the type of physical exercise, but the idea to treat our bodies and minds like a temple to worship.
Whereas average people tend to take care of their physical health only when they have a small jolt, super-achievers have it as one of their top priorities.
Let’s take Barack Obama as an example. Do you know how his day starts?
It begins with exercise, of course.
So does that allow you to have an excuse? If the President of the USA has time to exercise daily, why not you?
4. Show eagerness to learn either in online chess lessons or sparring sessions
In my two decades of chess coaching experience, I have noticed that the super-achievers I have coached in my online chess lessons have some things in common – they are eager, fascinated, almost voracious learners.
These people are not just learning in my chess classes and tournaments. They look at every problem, every test, every impediment, as an opportunity to learn more and improvise.
They prioritize time for personal leisure, other classes, chess coaching, and reading relevant chess material. No wonder they are Breaking into the top of whatever they endeavor.
The days we spend without learning anything new, are the days that go wasted.
Make me a scientist of the commonplace puzzling over the mystery of daily stuff, wordlessly probing for the Great Mystery, the Mother of wonders and the awesome.
These kids spend a lot of time honing their skills and they come out with positive results. And even if they don’t get success now, they know it is not going to be long before they succeed.
While teaching online chess lessons, I have noticed that the main ingredient for chess improvement, is a natural curiosity that kids have for understanding the unknown. My students get to appreciate the finer aspects when I mix the game lesson with practical real-world stories.
After all who doesn’t like stories?
Is there a reason why Chess is booming?
Very simple. Lots of resources are available now as compared to two decades ago. No wonder, the age threshold of Grandmasters-in-the-making is going lower and lower, every day.
Interested in online chess lessons?
Here at Golden Chess Centre, we are committed to making the benefits of chess, accessible to all.
Sometimes our best lessons in chess, lie in the lost games. We can analyze these games and improve our understanding. Things like what knowledge we need to attain, what skill we need to tune better, to improve our chess game.
You decide how to apply your past learning experience, to either avoid another defeat or to find the results you strive for Breaking into the top.
Let’s analyze your strengths and weaknesses, and come up with a specific plan to take your game to a new level and open your vision to new possibilities… and enjoy it, even more!
FYI We use Zoom, Google, or Skype and our customized training portal with practice assignments for the energetic learner!
Intermediate chess player study tips for improvement in chess – Part 1
What to do when playing against a master?
Last week I received an email from an old student of mine asking me what next to study. He said – “Dear coach, I am stuck, and I’ve been thinking about taking your advice on what to do to improve my game. I have been going steadily from 800 to 1300 for the last 1.5 years, and now it’s been 6 months since I can raise my rating levels. Any resources or online chess classes for me to pursue?
Should I be worried that I am not doing something correctly? And if that is the case, what am I doing wrong?”.
I knew that like him many intermediate chess players were feeling lost in limbo land (and I was there some 20 years ago, so I know well enough what it’s like, with no proper guidance).
Who is this article for?
If your answer to the following questions –
Are you an upcoming intermediate-level chess player also wanting to improve at chess after being stuck?
Do you think that there is some vital information that you are missing in your chess training?
Are you feeling guilty about wasting your time reading books that are not helping you in any way or doing things that just seem to be a waste of your time?
Is YES, then the answer lies in – introspection and taking active steps.
And a new approach – Reading chess books with a chess coach.
Let me explain.
This post is for intermediate chess players who want to improve their chess skills to the next stage.
At this stage, most of the chess enthusiasts are on the verge of losing hopes of improvement.
Why does this happen? Some of them simply do not want to do any more work as they think they have done enough.
However, most of them do not have proper guidance to quality chess manuals for the needed push to the next levels.
The big question for every intermediate chess player is what should an intermediate chess player study
Step 1 – Take stock of your chess knowledge, and what you should learn!
After acquainting yourself to the ideas of basic gameplay in your chess games, you must be now ready to understand how long-term factors actually dictate the outcome of chess games.
These areas are so vast that you must engage in all resources to move you forward in gaining chess knowledge.
If you cannot enlist the help of a chess coach through online chess classes (or direct classes), then you will need these resources to start with.
In my chess classes for intermediate and advanced players, I usually advise my students who are avid readers to read a particular book.
However, since I do not know you (the reader) personally, I can only list some general evergreen resources for you to read and understand.
Take notes and mark what you think is important from these books.
As an intermediate player, you can probably spot certain typical and basic tactics and defend against the same tactics.
Now it’s time to develop the positional side of your game for further advancement.
both by Aron Nimzowitsch. Two great books by a great player.
These books take you through important themes of positional play.
The books give a concrete theory and give proof-of-concept demonstration games.
Though they are classic old school, the teachings still hold ground for the budding players.
I consider them a must for chess enthusiasts. I remember as a frustrated player having taken to these books like a fish to water.
Aron Nimzowitsch was an excellent writer and an elite master. If there was some book unanimously labelled as a classic this would come pretty close to it.
On a personal note, I found the Praxis book better in the long run, but that was only after I understood his ‘My System’ book.
You can use the Praxis book as a reference manual to better understand the concepts in the System as I did, or you can read the System book for now.
This one comes as a surprise for many when I suggest taking this book seriously.
In fact, I am myself guilty of having sidelined this book when I first bought it.
It was only when I read a few chapters that I discovered that it was a treasure trove of ideas in an area that is often neglected – viz pawn structures – doubled pawns, isolated pawns, hanging pawns and central pawn majorities.
I am sure you will find the study of this book is rewarding and will throw an added layer of understanding to your chess.
One small word of caution: the book is only about 1.d4 openings.
However, the ideas Sokolov explains are applicable to all openings than the ones used in this book.
A companion to the Sokolov book, a blog about the book, Mauricio Flores is including recent (or old) games where you can see how the theory of the book are applied, and how even sometimes Grandmasters don’t find the best option – read his blog
How Purdy Won: 1st World Champion of Correspondence Chess – Purdy is among the best chess writers I have read at par with the likes of Dan Heisman or Irving Chernev (for beginners and intermediates).
When I first heard his name I thought Purdy… who?
And that is because his books are now quite old and almost forgotten.
But he writes in an easy to read and understand format and his annotations are easy to follow – he writes for the casual player who wants to improve.
The reason I singled this book out is that it covers basic theory and examples of openings, middle games, and end games.
However, if you are lingering in the 1350-1400 range try attempting this book by the same author – The Search for Chess Perfection.
The reason is that he discusses in detail his thinking technique which is akin to Silman’s techniques.
Purdy’s passion and dedication to chess are seen in his writings.
Very few authors can explain the concepts in layman terms.
And most importantly, Purdy’s writing style is so enjoyable, that it can be visited again and again; this helps to reinforce his teachings.
Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
And what better way to learn about chess truth than a Correspondence Chess Champion?
I suggest reading his other books too. For a detailed listing look hereat Amazon.
* Intermediate chess player study resource #4 –
How to Reassess Your Chess: Chess Mastery Through Chess Imbalances.
Reassess Your Chess Workbook.
Both these by Jeremy Silman are worth their weight in gold.
The reason I am suggesting an intermediate chess player study both books is that they are connected in terms of teaching the concept and reinforcing them.
However, if you intend to buy only one I would suggest – How to Reassess Your Chess: Chess Mastery Through Chess Imbalances (though I am sure you will get the other books after reading this one).
There is one caveat though – if initially, you feel that he is way above your head despair not.
Do a re-run, and you will see that he sinks in slowly.
And one more caution – Don’t play blitz while reading these books – you will almost always lose on time as your mind grapples with Silmanesque techniques – that is what Silman does to the reader!
So do not worry about the stagnation and what an intermediate chess player study regimen is all about.
When you are happy doing something without worrying about the result, then this is a moment of celebration.
As usual comments and feedback are welcome. Please let me know if you found the suggestions useful!
When not playing or teaching chess at Golden Chess Centre, the author Kish Kumar spends time playing with Hazel and Jia (Labrador Retrievers)! Contact him on his Facebook page.
Golden Chess Centre conducts regular online chess classes for beginners, intermediates and advanced level players and direct chess classes for upcoming chess players in Nanganallur, Madipakkam, Adambakkam, Moovarasampet, Kilkattalai, Kovilambakkam, Puzhuthivakkam, Ullagaram and Pazhavanthangal – Chennai
Get in touch to know more, in case you are interested!
Improving chess players stamina and energy levels – success secrets (for Parents, Coaches, and Students).
Imagine this scenario. A five-day tournament is nearing its end. The last round is a struggle for the remaining honors with rating points. You have been waiting patiently for the round to start and then after the initial hour or two you feel sleepy and your mind wants to relax. The outcome is a yawn. A yawn is infectious as you all know, and soon everyone in the hall is stretching or yawning. Familiar, isn’t it? So how do you improve your students’ stamina in online chess classes or chess matches? Improving chess players stamina and energy levels is the key to consistent success in the chess arena.
Are chess masters more intelligent than amateurs or do they just work harder (read that as ‘have more stamina’)?
Why do some players reach high levels of expertise, while others just remain amateurs?
Many players are low on energy and how to overcome that?
What could be the reason for these good chess players’ consistent results?
Delving into the secrets of these players made me aware that almost all of them had one thing in common: they were healthy individuals – regular walkers, joggers and they were also seen as having a healthy diet regimen.
A diet that included a good dose of fruits, vegetables, and healthy cereals.
So are we focusing on this aspect as chess coaches and parents?
Sadly, no.
I realized this aspect when my students’ performance was showing inconsistent tournament or game results with their online chess classes training tests in the academy or online chess matches.
Many of my star students would have played a tough 4-hour game, and after what seemed like a clear winning position, would have a sudden cognition blackout and make an inexplicable blunder.
It was appalling to learn that the problem was not with knowledge or application – but with their stamina levels.
This meant it will be necessary not just for hours of preparation on the chessboard, but to extend it to a more comprehensive program, involving physical training and a sufficient nutritional plan for the brain’s demands.
1. Calling for a custom diet to improve chess players stamina
For starters – avoiding “heavy oily foods” or foods that are difficult to digest, before any chess games should be followed studiously by chess players.
The proper meal before a chess game has to be at least two hours in advance to avoid drowsiness during the game. Trust me, it happens.
If a player has hunger pangs just before the chess match, he/she should preferably have fruits, fruit salads, fruit juices, cereals, or anything in natural form.
I have recently started asking my students to bring a bowl of fruits or healthy snacks to my sessions and made it a point to give them a 15-minute break to have their dose of healthy energy diets.
Along with that, I suggest parentslearn new healthy recipes that will provide the essential nutrients in a way that’s interesting to them and make them stay focused.
A good diet is a key to a chess players stamina and performance in a day that involves long hours of mindful meditation whether in training sessions, online chess classes, or chess matches.
Chess players’ parents need to arrange for their children’s nutrition needs, following the above lines.
2. What else apart from Diet?
Nowadays I am also making physical exercise an important part of my student’s non-chess training.
Why?
Chess is basically a ‘sitting’ sport that does not allow for physical movements (except for moving the pieces).
So it is our prerogative as chess coaches that the students are asked to engage in some physical exercise regularly notably aerobics, along with Yoga and Breathing techniques.
Good habits need to be taught from a young age, and as coach let us see that this is made one of our top priorities. It is only by enforcing these practices, that we can see a change in the chess players stamina especially among the kids who play serious tournaments.
They will not feel tired or lethargic after playing for 5 days in a row. At least not as severe as those who are leading a sedentary life without exercise or a healthy diet.
Conclusion: Improving chess players stamina and energy levels must never be neglected.
A lot of the professional chess players keep their body in good shape with some form of exercise. Being in shape increases your mental stamina too
Magnus Carlsen stays in top shape by regular exercise!
The physical exercise if done on a regular basis can help the chess player in many other ways:
Improves body posture.
Improves immunity.
Improves dopamine and endorphins production (substances that have a positive effect on the brain giving that happiness feel)
Reduce anxiety, depression, tension, and stress.
Improve brain performance like better memory.
Better creativity, clarity, and vigor.
Helps in keeping a healthy body to enjoy the game of chess that we all love so much for a long time to come.
Question: Hi Coach @GoldenChess! I’m a newbie in the chess scene and am from Madipakkam (near Nanganallur) in Chennai. I have a problem and that is – Chess Openings – how to study – for beginners especially. The doubt is: should I study all the major openings and if so which ones do I have to study as priority?
To be more specific, my concern is – I am very familiar about the Sicilian but after 1. e4 if my opponents do not play any Sicilian line but takes me into an unknown territory that I can’t manage, what must I do ?
Do I have to study all the openings in this case ?
Last week somebody advised me that I have to study the openings that fit my playing style. What is your take on this?
Thanks for all you tips! – Aadhithya (age 15)
HiAadhithya – First of all, I guess that your question is basically about building your White repertoire. In the long run, if you are serious about improving your chess, the answer is – yes! Hard work does pay. For example – you may start with 1.d4 and play the Colle system – or the Sicilian Grand Prix with 1.e4 as white. But there is every possibility that you will soon feel bored with that opening.
Chess Openings – how to study – for beginners (or how not to study!)
What openings you choose is up to you, and depends on your goals in chess and your personal tastes. So if you are already rated 1800 or thereabouts, you can pick theoretical lines to build your repertoire and polish it everyday.
However if you are lower rated – you said you are a newbie so I assume you are a post-beginner – then you need to only understand and remember the major lines in a selective set of openings and more importantly, improve your middlegame understanding.
Try completing the combination books selected from this link from Amazon.
Note however that you will not have a ‘style‘ of play until you have a quite decent understanding of the game by which I mean 2200 elo rating.
Until then you don’t have a style – what you have is a collection of responses and weaknesses.
So in summary –
Study only the important openings that you will play and encounter and choose the 4 or 5 common variations of that opening, to begin with by reading books by the great Grandmaster of the past (I have listed some suggestions below).
Play them regularly with friends or at online chess playing sites such as Chesscube.com, Chess.com, ICC or Playchess (ChessBase).
Try playing with chess software like Lucas Chess (read a good review here)
Don’t hesitate to change openings if you feel you are not enjoying it.
Don’t waste your time on off-beat openings that are not important, you are not a master yet and
I suggest to really master tactics by doing them daily on a real chess board rather than openings for your age and level because you will lose mainly by tactics and not because of the minimal advantage that was gained by that uncommon variation.
Book Suggestions: I suggest you to get a few books that are a collection of GM games annotated by the Grandmaster himself and go through them with your coach or another player who is stronger than you.
I have avoided providing the latest Grandmaster’s book list as the above list of older books gives a good understanding of an opening’s evolution. These books will discuss about the opening plans and ideas and that will be a good foothold to begin with. I hope I have answered your question on Chess Openings – how to study – for beginners
Once a grasp of these ideas are absorbed in place, we can then continue our learning with the later day Grandmaster’s books such as those by Shirov, Anand, Gelfand, Karpov and Kasparov.
Additionally, I would request you to share some of your OTB (On the Board) games or online games to make this discussion more meaningful.
Do drop in at Golden Chess Centreat Nanganallur (Chennai) and we will see how to guide you in your self study.For others who have found my suggestions useful why not visit my Facebook page and follow it by liking it so that you can be notified for more such articles like this?
Note: The links in this page are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission from any purchases. Prices are exactly the same for you if your purchase is through an affiliate link or a non-affiliate link. You will not pay more by clicking through to the link.
How to train in Chess effectively – 3 Basic Books and 5 Tips For Beginners up to 1500 ELO
Some recommendations on how to train in Chess effectively and on training methods and resources. If you are a novice and like to improve through diligent training and perseverance then this post is just an appetizer. There is no such thing as “the best advice” for chess improvement as everyone has different requirements and circumstances that make their learning unique.
The most effective way of training in your chess is by addressing your weaknesses, not strengthening your positive skills.
However, having said that, here are some general tips for you that may work for most of the beginners and post-beginners.
At least you cannot go wrong knowing how to train in chess
Practice Tactics positions DAILY
I recommend the following books:
600 plus winning chess themes and tactics by V. Subramanian‘,
as good training material to start with (of course with a good Coach to explain what is happening).
How to train in chess Tactics?
When working through puzzles on Chess Tactics for beginners, I suggest working through the specific themes at a time.
By progressing thematically, you will slowly build the pattern recognition database in your head that is needed to recognize the tactical elements when they appear in your games.
Random tactics will appear in your games, obviously, and only by constant familiarity with the tactical elements and factors can one get to identify the tactics satisfactorily.
That is why tactical position-solving should initially be theme-based.
Solutions given may not always be the best or the only correct ones, but they roughly describe the theme and pass the crux of the message.
How to train in chess visualization?
Trying to visualize the chess analysis will improve your tactics while imprinting the ideas in the brain, will serve as an absolute foundation of your chess.
Don’t memorize the answers but memorize the thought process.
It is not enough to go through the problems and understand the solutions, but it is necessary to go through them regularly until the solution is recognized within a few seconds without any complex calculations…
To put it more practically... treat them as your math multiplication tables and then see how you do complex numerical mathematics… in other words, you compare your game results before and after!
5 Tips on how to train in chess
It is better to train regularly, for a duration that is fixed for an individual daily schedule.
Start with as low as 15 minutes a day – make it a daily RITUAL.
Take stock daily. Set new goals for the next ‘weekly report’.
It is advisable to take time to review the past performance without fail.
Avoid excuses ‘I will catch up at the weekend!’ etc.
For you to grow in chess, get out of your comfort zone.
You will feel awkward and uncomfortable doing new things the first time.
If it’s worth doing for your chess growth, even doing it poorly until you get a feel for it is rewarding by itself.
Here are the 5 tips on how to train in chess so that you climb steadily and surely.
Try to create a habit of chess workout daily. Say, solving 15 tactical puzzles in the morning before you go to school (that’s what I recommend my students). It doesn’t matter if it is just a small start. Being regular guarantees progress.
Try to use your analytical brain rather than just checking the solutions when the position is difficult to solve.
Give your brain time to think.
Minimize distractions and remain focused while you are working on the tactics positions.
It’s not about winning, it’s about learning. If you did not learn you merely wasted your time.
Using the Chess Informants as a way to hack up your learning and thereby increasing your strength.
Read this: Chess Informant – the esoteric art of learning (hacking your chess brain).
