The real way to become a stronger player.

Hello Fellow Chess Enthusiasts! 

The world of chess has seen a huge surge of interest in response to the pandemic and The Queen’s Gambit, a Netflix series about a young woman on her journey of chess mastery. If you haven’t seen it, you must! 

If you're a total newbie to chess, or even a seasoned player who wants to level up their game, I have created this at-home Summer Challenge to help you get there.  

So, what can YOU do to take your game to the next level?

In my years of teaching chess, I have found that these five categories make all the difference:

1. Learn how to think in chess

2. Learn to regulate your emotions (i.e., How to reduce anxiety and prevent impulsive decision making)

3. Have a study schedule

4. Join a chess community

5. Train with a personal coach or friend

Let’s dive a little deeper with a summer challenge. 

Challenge

Working with others is the most fulfilling way to develop as a player, however, much of the work is done on your own. One of the best methods to measure your progress is by playing online. When you play online you are given a rating that serves as an estimate of your skill level, with higher scores indicating better performance. Here's how to bring up your online rating 100 points by the time we kick things off for the fall semester. (Lichess.org is my platform of choice). 

Follow these 10 Tips:

1. Play long games

Playing longer games will allow you to take your time to think things through and to practice new concepts more efficiently. I recommend playing games with 15 minutes on the clock or more.

☐I have played 10 longer games.

2. Do not spend all your time trying to memorize moves

It is not helpful to memorize moves if you do not know the ideas behind them. Let’s focus on
developing pattern recognition first by practicing chess puzzles.

3. Develop your pieces before attacking
   The more the merrier! One of your goals should be to send your troops out to the battlefield. 

4. Practice regularly
   
   

5. Analyze YOUR games
   Reviewing your own games is a great way to identify your strengths and areas for growth. This is a learned skill that takes time. If you’ve never analyzed a game before, I recommend watching a how-to video online and/or partnering up with someone who knows how. 

To get you started, consider using the SWOT (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats) Analysis technique when reviewing your movies. When reviewing a position on the board, you can ask yourself: hmm what are the strengths in this position? What are the weaknesses? What are the potential opportunities? What are the threats?

☐I have analyzed 5 of my own games.

6. Minimize Distractions
   Maintain your focus. One wrong move can cost you the win. Put that phone on Do Not Disturb! 

7. Learn 3 emotion regulation techniques
   Our emotions can sometimes get the best of us and lead us to make impulsive decisions. For example, whenever I am feeling incredibly anxious, I may freeze up and have trouble thinking. When that happens, I use one of my coping skills (e.g., Stop what I’m doing, take 3 deep breaths and/or walk away and come back) to help reduce that anxiety BEFORE acting. Keep in mind that not every technique or skill works for everyone. 

☐I have found 3 regulation techniques that work for me.

  ________________________________________

  ________________________________________

  ________________________________________

8. During a game, when you don’t know what to do, look for ways to improve your pieces
   Hmm…my knight is off in la la land away from all the action. Let’s fix that.
   
   

☐I have asked myself, “What can I do to improve my pieces” during a game.

9. Join a Chess Community

Whether online or in-person, joining a chess community has many benefits. There will be opportunities to show off your new skills, to learn from stronger players, and to teach new players. And most importantly, it’s fun!

☐I have joined a chess community: ____________________________

Find a chess mentor

Finding a coach or another player with more experience than you will help a great deal with your analysis and can serve as an accountability partner to keep you on track.

☐Chess mentor found: _______________