15 rules for effective chess training

You have decided to become a chess expert, you are motivated and feel that nothing is going to stop you from achieving your dream – Perfect! Motivation is very important to start with, but remember that the path is not always easy and that it is in your perseverance in training that you will be able to make a difference and see the results. 

A chess coach or by yourself?

You may think that nowadays everything is on the internet, and that you can try to learn and improve on your own, we do not discuss it. If you are constant and methodical, surely with all the information you find on the net, it is possible that you can become a good player. But if you really want to refine your technique and exploit all your skills, while at the same time reducing your mistakes, perhaps you should consider taking lessons with a chess coach. A coach will know how to get the best out of you and help you to achieve your goals in less time, giving you more satisfaction and optimizing your training.

15 rules of chess training

Anyway, today we are going to talk about the 15 most important rules of chess training. We will deal with how to approach chess training and how to avoid the most common problems in order not to become a mediocre chess player. Then let?s start.

1.There is no perfect chess training program.

Besides, many of the best chess players and trainers often argue with each other about how certain things should be taught or played. They even evaluate certain chess positions differently. This means that a player who wants to improve his game will have to learn and experiment a lot to find the tools that are effective for him.

2. The effort is essential.

The effectiveness of any chess training is directly proportional to the amount of effort invested in it. If your training is not working, you are probably not immersed enough in the work. «Success depends on effort» – Sophocles.

3. You need to constantly learn to «learn» chess. 

But constant research of different teaching methods without teaching itself will get you nowhere. Concentrate on your weaknesses, on what you really need to improve, and the results will come.

4. Fatigue does not guarantee results.

You will get tired with any chess preparation method, even if it is not very effective. But the fact that you get tired is no guarantee for a good result. Only proper training will make you the best chess player.

5. There is no such thing as ‘divine inspiration’.

At the same time, to become a strong chess player with a rating of 2000 – 2200 ELO, you do not need to hire expensive trainers, have a special talent in chess or an IQ of 165. Of course, a good chess trainer with whom you feel comfortable and who knows how to recognize your needs will help, and if you have talent too, everything will be easier. But the responsibility to improve does not lie with your trainer or your innate talent, but with your ability to train properly.

6. Train what you find difficult.

You especially like some elements of the game of chess and learn them with pleasure, because they are easy for you. But if they are easy, then you already know them and should not waste time on them. It is better to concentrate on something difficult and unpleasant. For most chess players this is usually endgame, positional chess and difficult tactics.

7. When you lose, you should not get angry. 

This is just a sign that you need to work harder and learn more. Train hard and then come back and win.

8. Don’t be afraid to lose to a stronger opponent. 

Playing with a strong opponent is the best catalyst for self-improvement.

9. Don’t get burned.

Don’t think that to become a strong chess player you have to give up everything else and train 8 hours a day. If you do this, you will most probably get exhausted quickly after the first week and simply give up chess. Unless, of course, your name is Bobby Fischer.

Instead you work for short periods of time, but in a systematic way. As a result, the time devoted to study will add up and you will progress.

10. Write down everything you do.

Keeping a training diary is an important element of the chess training process. This tool is useful for motivation and concentration. Besides you will see what works and what does not.

11. Don’t be a crybaby.

Self-improvement in chess never starts with complaints and excuses. You must accept responsibility for your mistakes. If you fail, do not look for ways to justify yourself. Find the real reason. Do the work necessary to fix it. Win.

12. The game is your motivation.

If you are a real chess player, then you do not need constant motivation to improve the quality of your game. It comes from within.

13. Openings are not everything.

When the average amateur player loses a game, he comes home and starts looking at the opening. Don’t be like that. Better work on endgames and positional chess.

14. Rest is important. As much as training.

Before important tournaments it is necessary to rest. Sometimes a day of rest will be much more effective than a wearing-out training before the game.

15. You do not need to proclaim to the world that you are a chess player.

Instead of wearing a T-shirt or cap that says how much you like chess, show your passion with your game and its high efficiency. If you are more concerned with uploading photos from your last game to your social networks than with concentrating on learning and improving, perhaps you should choreograph for Tik Tok, and forget about chess.

How to improve your chess game?

To develop a positional understanding of position, it is necessary that you play the moves in GM games yourself and understand why they are made. Only having been in the «skin» of a strong player, you can understand what problems he had to face in the game. In this way you will strengthen your chess level. And above all, remember that the one you compete against every day is yourself.