In this article, I wanted to share some general advice I give those who wish to improve their chess skills systematically. The ideas I am sharing have worked well for me, as well as for the many chess students I have had over the years.
This may sound like a cliché title, but the more I think about my less fortunate experiences in past tournaments, the more I realize the nuances of routine in my daily life, as a player in particular and a professional in general. Many chess players, as well as other sportsmen, have the tendency to repeat things that help them win
By International Master Vitaly Neimer
There is no dispute between chess experts that the opening is one of the most important phases of a chess game. One’s opening can ensure fighting chess which will lead to victory, or make one’s game go down in flames. Either way, choosing an opening repertoire might be one of the most important decisions a chess player can do in his or her career.
Chess styles are diverse. Some players play aggressively from the first move, blitzing out sharp theory and trying to apply immediate pressure from the word go. Others prefer to avoid known paths, seeking to outplay their opponents on unfamiliar terrain. Some are open positions aficionados, while others prefer the long maneuverings of locked games.
Back in July of 2016, my family decided to move from New Jersey to Saint Louis in order to help support my chess ambition. Moving to the chess capital of the country was an exciting change as it allowed me to be closer to the heart of U.S. chess. Upon entering 2018, I thought it fitting to indulge in some nostalgia and relate my experiences over the last year-and-a-half as a member of the local Saint Louis chess community.
Some people think that chess is about opening preparation and a more advanced computer knowledge than your opponent. Others believe you just need to checkmate your opponent in a wild Sicilian.
Let’s face it. A lot of players struggle with time management. Moving too quickly or too slowly can be an easily overlooked problem for many. Regardless of the time control, it is important to move quickly enough to avoid time trouble, but also slowly enough to play good moves. In my opinion, time management is not talked about enough.
Let me start with a personal confession: When I was really young, I wanted to quit chess.
I was supposed to write this blog long time ago. Unfortunately, two things prevented me from doing so: first, my second residency this year at the Saint Louis Chess Club, second and main reason for this postponed article, is the never ending schedule of chess events and activities that have hit me up in the past three months!
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