Improving Chess Skills: Tips for Intermediate Players

Every chess player experiences moments of frustration, especially when your rating is 900 but you perceive yourself as an intermediate player. Understanding tactics and mating patterns is a great start, but blunders and anger can dampen your progress. Here are some strategies to help you improve your chess game, manage your emotions, and achieve better results.

1. Tactical Training

Tactical Training is crucial for any chess player. One effective method is through Online Platforms like or Lichess. Regularly practicing tactics, such as solving puzzles, can enhance your tactical awareness. Set a goal to solve a certain number of tactical puzzles each day, gradually increasing the difficulty as you improve. This helps build a strong foundation for better decision-making.

2. Analyze Your Games

Reviewing Your Mistakes and learning from stronger players are valuable strategies. After each game, especially losses, analyze your moves to identify blunders. Most online chess platforms provide analysis tools that highlight mistakes and suggest better moves. Watching games played by players with higher ratings and focusing on their decision-making processes can also provide valuable insights.

3. Learn Opening Principles

Understanding Basic Principles of opening play, such as controlling the center, developing your pieces, and ensuring king safety by castling early, can significantly improve your game. Choose a couple of Simple Openings for both white and black that you can learn deeply, rather than trying to memorize many lines. This focuses your efforts and allows for a more profound understanding of the opening principles.

4. Endgame Practice

Endgame Practice is also essential. Study fundamental endgames, such as King and Pawn vs King, and learn key concepts like opposition. Understanding endgames can significantly improve your overall play and help in critical moments of the game.

5. Play Regularly

Consistent play is vital, but it's important to ensure you're playing at a pace that allows you to think critically about your moves. Consider playing longer time controls, such as classical or correspondential chess, to reduce the likelihood of blunders. Mix online games with over-the-board play to expose yourself to different styles and pressures.

6. Manage Your Emotions

Managing your emotions is crucial in chess. If you feel frustrated or angry, take a break instead of quitting. This can help you return to the game with a clearer mind. Practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises can help manage stress during games and keep your emotions in check.

7. Join a Chess Community

Engaging with local chess clubs or online forums can provide a supportive environment for discussions, shared experiences, and strategic insights. This can also help in overcoming tough moments and motivate you to keep improving.

8. Study Chess Books and Videos

Reading beginner to intermediate chess books that focus on tactics and strategy can provide in-depth knowledge. Use platforms like YouTube to find instructional videos from reputable chess educators. Watching and learning from experienced players can further enhance your understanding and skills.

9. Set Realistic Goals

To maintain motivation and a positive mindset, set realistic goals for your chess improvement. Set small, achievable goals, such as increasing your rating by 100 points within a specific timeframe or mastering specific openings. This helps in achieving incremental progress and celebrating small victories.

10. Stay Patient

Improvement in chess is a long-term process. Stay patient and focus on the learning process rather than just the outcomes. Celebrating small victories and persisting through challenges will ultimately lead to better results and a more enjoyable chess journey.

By combining these strategies, you can work towards overcoming blunders and improving your chess skills. Remember, consistency, analysis, and a positive mindset are key to long-term growth. Good luck on your chess journey!