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2:44 in here black is not forced to take our queen, there's also another variation, Rxd5, Qxd5 and continue to threaten a checkmate getting 6pwans for 3. 2:56 Rh8+,Kxh8, Qh1+, Bh5, Qxh5#.
hey man. I went from 1500 to 1300 about 2 months ago... in one day 0-0. I felt so frustrated so then I kinda got a tantrum and decided I will get better. Rn Im at 1620 rapid and I'm so happy with my progress because i just kept playing smarter and such. I also started playing chess seriously September 2022, as before that i knew the rules and played casually but never took it seriously. Maybe setting goals will help you out. My goal was hitting 1500 by May this year which has been completely blown away. So then my goal was 1600 and I've just decided my goal is to read, understand, and finish a chess book that i got by may. Weird rant i went on rn but hopefully it shows you that every gets their ups and downs but as long as you are determined and have goals, you will reach it!
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:27 🧠 Start with Short Tactics Training: - Begin with solving puzzles to focus on chess and learn different tactical patterns. This helps prevent blunders and strengthens your attacking skills. 03:31 🕹️ Play and Analyze Games: - Play games, then analyze them using chess software or engines. Learn from mistakes, understand opening theories, and identify weaknesses in your gameplay. 06:46 📚 Study Chess, Especially Openings: - Master essential openings for both white and black pieces. While openings won't make you a strong player alone, understanding them is crucial to progress effectively. 09:07 ⏱️ Time Management for Training: - Allocate 30 minutes daily for a well-rounded training session. Adjust components (tactics, games, study) based on the time you have, ensuring a balanced approach to improvement. Made with HARPA AI
For the tactical puzzle… Qh5, then if black bishop doesn’t move Qh8 is mate. If black bishop does move along the diagonal, pawn to g6 and then queen to h8 mate
2:54 Qh5 is the way to win! Of course the bishop is pinned so it can't capture your queen but most importantly, you are threatening to win a game on h8 or h7. Black will takes your bishop on c4 to open the escape square for his king. But next you will play the quiet move, g6! prevent a black king from escaping and next move you will delivery the checkmate blow on h8 and black is defenseless.
@@degatagauwatie4073 It's a tricky puzzle. Actually only 1.Qh5 wins. If instead White plays 1.g6 first, that allows Black to play 1...Bxf4 and then relocate that bishop to h6.
Something I've found helpful is analyzing my game without the engine, taking notes explaining my thinking, then going over it again with the engine. I save this for longer time control games which I suspect had good learning opportunities. For blitz or bullet games I just do a quick check with the engine to make sure I didn't miss anything major.
I really suck at chess but have gotten better recently from practicing. I’m digging the channel thanks for keeping things moving and easy to understand. The content has helped!
The endgame is an extremely important component which needs to be studied to at least understand the basics. That is where many games are ultimately won or lost.
My tactic is so simple, open Lichess, start a game without time against computer and select the strongest level of stockfish and start deep thinking move by move. Analyze as soon as possible every move. In rapid games my elo was 1380 and I was stuck there but now it is 1425 in a few days. Because I'm learning why I lose the game how I blunder my pieces what is my weaknesses. Stockfish attacks always your weaknesses and force you to be more careful and the way you thinking is start to change also your focus, style, line of vision. Even the way I play games has changed. As they say "The only way to get smarter is by playing a smarter opponent".
Thank you for a great video! I feel like actually getting better at something is often very counterintuitive. We are tempted to just use intuition and repeat something we already did many times without growing new habits.
To get to 2000 with 30 minutes of studying a day sounds like a dream to me. I am FIDE rated at 2000 and 2200 on Lichess on rapid (NOT BLITZ). And I can tell you that just 30 minutes a day will not get you there. First I would add the word "quality" to this training program. I play OTB 60 30 training games at least once a week. I probably spend more time analyzing my games than actually playing them. My openings are my weakness, and endgames are definitely my strength, especially pawn endgames. I study DEM mainly for that, and that is very hard work. My middlegame is okay, I still need to work on how to play better with my minor pieces at that stage of the game. And as far as the opening, I am getting better and better, but if an opponent manages to beat me, it will be because of an opening mistake on my part. Chess is not so easy that one can study 30 minutes a day and get to 2000. At that level, you will be better than 99% of all chess players. Think about that. On a more realistic level two to four hours of study per day and quality play for four years will get you there as an adult player. Going to tournaments OTB at least 5 times a year, and working with a good coach. Other than polishing your openings and practicing some tactics, Blitz is VERY detrimental to your game. It is too superficial and shallow. And it can be a complete waste of your time. It is better to play ONE game per week, at 60 minutes with a 30-second increment, analyze that deeply, study the openings, and the tactical mistakes, and allocate time for deep study during the week, than playing 1000 blitz games per day. That is my honest opinion. Nakamura is a great player and everyone mentions him as an example to the "benefits" of blitz. But no one mentions that BEFORE he did that, he did a lot of studying and OTB play and was already a GM, he had already dedicated his life to chess. I have a friend who has played more than 15000 blitz games online and plays weekly blitz games at the chess club. He is rated about 1800 (Lichess) at Blitz and has been that way for at least 2 years! He is rated 1500 FIDE. What I find playing blitz is that MOST openings are either traps or garbage openings designed to WIN at blitz. This friend once beat me on OTB game using an opening trap he learned from Blitz. But I told him this: "Yes, you beat me, but how much time have you put into studying something that can only be used once? Instead of learning good theory and learning it deeply and precisely, which can be something useful for a lifetime, not just one game". At the end of the day, I am 2000 and he is 1500, that should say it all. BTW my score against him is plus 6 OTB, unrated casual games, and he only beat me twice. At blitz, I also have a plus score against him. (when I rarely do play blitz).
Understand your concern. Blitzing away means using cheap tricks which the player will eventually run out of. Without the proper analysis of each move with respect to the opponents counter , the progess of chess learning will not go anywhere.
He is probably talking about online rating and he didn’t mention for how long you would have to do 30 mins a day. My friend got to 1500 rating in less than a year with very little practice and analysis, sometimes playing gets you intuition, most blunders under 2000 rating can be seen by players max 2 moves after the move is made
Agree with everything! Studying positional understanding and openings 10-15 min per day is important. Also, keep in mind opening theory can help you understand positions more
My approach, which may seem counterintuitive, was to play less chess. I was playing 15-20 games a day, just going on to the next one and the next one. Now I play just 5 or 6 and spend time going over them looking for weaknesses.
Dont Be that negative, if you are a practicing chess player (at least 3 times a week) ur rating Is "yours". On long term (statistics), early resigns- opponent blunders etc - are compensated by yours. Its variance. that rating Is yours. U May have a dip later, ( or a grow up!) Later, but its yours if u play chess continuosly.
I've been grinding out wins trying to stay near the top of my division and my rating has definitely taken a hit because of that. Fewer, but higher quality games, seems to be the way to go. That said, I have now seen, fallen for, and can defend against a lot of the silly early checkmates. So there's advantages to doing a bit of both.
Yes I figured out the first puzzle, since I recently missed a "smothered mate" in a blitz game, I kept checking until it was a draw...and later analysis showed I had a smothered mate, too bad I missed it, however it helped figure out this puzzle. Cheers!
Right answer IMO is 1.g6 (bishop is pinned) 1…Bxc3. Now either 2. Rh8+ Kxh8 3. Qg5+ Kh7# or 2.Qg5 (king can’t go anywhere and there isn’t enough time to make space) Like the forcing variation better.
This is the second chess improvement video I watched today. Your video is excellent. You lay out a clear specific path forward. I really appreciate the work you put into this. You gave suggestions for what specifically to study and supported the ideas with sound and specific reasons and appropriate examples. Thank you very much for this. It really helps! I’ll be back after I spend my 30 minutes studying chess using your suggestions. This video was time well spent!
The line I calculated for the puzzle 2:50. Qh5(black bishop on f7 is pinned to king and threatening mate on either Qh7# or Qh8#), Bxc4 or any other bishop move to free up an escape square for black's king, However, White can then play g6, removing the escape square. Whatever black does now, It will still be mate. It is worth noting that if black plays g6 to prevent this line, Qh7#/Qh8# ends the game on the spot. I believe this is the solution.
Yes but you failed to calculate what happens after g6(removing the escape square for the king. No matter what black does now, it is mate on the next move.(response to someone's calculation) idk if they delete message or what.
@@epiccrumbs8312 Rh8+!! Kxh8 forced Dh1+ (Bh5 is mate in 1) so Kg8 g6 and this schould be winning aswell and is more forced so i would play like that prob
@@weqeqeqqweqweqwe9266 I get what you mean, but you fail to calculate what happens that after Qh1+, Black doesn't have to play Bh5, they will instead play Kg8. You have no attack. After something like g7, Black will play Bxc4, and you simply loss your rook for no reason so you are down a severe amount of material. Therefore your line was wishful thinking and not an accurate line if black plays correctly. It was def a nice try though.
- Start with tactical training: solving puzzles (0:27) - Focus on attacking moves and forcing moves in tactics (1:21) - Analyze your games with an engine to identify mistakes (3:44) - Prioritize studying openings to ensure a good start (6:42) - If short on time, pick one or two key activities (9:30) - If more time is available, allocate extra time to playing/analysis and studying (10:01)
I am around 1600 and 1700 and i beat regularly 1700 and 1800 players of chess and i want to go until 2000 my dream or maybe more if possible!Thank you,for your great advice,i understand with the fact,i raise my level,so my opponent are more wise and better prepared too,so i need to be more wise too if i want to raise my level more fast!I think this what i need to do right now!You do a great work for us Igor,this is greatly appreciate!
► Chapters 00:00 How to train chess effectively & improve faster? 00:26 Chess Study Plan: 1) Tactics Training 02:51 Practice Puzzle: Can you find the win? 02:57 Chess Study Plan: 2) Play & Analyze 04:08 Analyzing your chess game with engine 06:36 Training Plan: 3) Study chess (openings) 08:18 Studying positional concepts in chess 09:00 Chess Training Plan for 30 minutes per day 10:00 Training Plan if you have more time available
2:53 The winning move is I think Qh5, black may play Be6 or Bxc4 (the only sensible move to create a room for the king incase white plays Qh8+), but that can be solved with g6 by white and I think there is nothing black can do to stop the checkmate
I was 1000 ELO two years ago and then I got "steps" to go further: in a year I wanted to get to 1200 which I did. Then I said to myself "2023 I will get to 1300" which I did and feels nice. I now want to get to 1500 by the end of the year
2:55 The move is Qh5, which he has no way to defend, because after Bxc4, you have g4, and it's a gg. He can try to take on c2, but you simply go Ka1. Rh8+ Almost works, just that after Qh1+ Kg8, g6, He can simply move his rook over and escape.
My plan which got me up from 1400-1700 in a few weeks: watch one chess video 15 min, play 1-2 games, analyse and learn from your mistakes, research the opening if you havent seen it before. In total this takes around 2 hours.
I honestly think this is great, im current a 1500, and used to lose a lot of points until i actually started playing like 3 -5 games per day, nothing more, and lots of puzzles.
Hey I used one of your old courses from a long time ago briefly. It literally helped my game tremendously. I don't play much anymore but I can say that those few days of following along with your course improved my game a whole lot. Your advice is gold and I know that it works. Any serious player should consider some of Igor's work.
2:54 as a 1200 rated player, i think this is the solution Qh5. The bishop cannot take as it is pinned. Black has no way to check the king or capture queen. Qh8# is a win
This sounds like a great study format. I have two questions. Do you have any recommendations on how to study openings? (good sources, etc.) When do you think it's best to start regular self-training on endgames as well?
This is the best Chanel to learn chess. I really like how you are teaching. It’s not many channels that are so good as you. Many thanks from sweden. ❤❤❤
As a lichess rapid 2100 player,I can confirm that this is so true.Endgame is something that you need to study once in a while(l mean study things apart from your games).However,opening is what you should work on every day.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:27 🧠 *Start with Short Tactics Training:* - Begin your chess training with short tactics training (solving puzzles) for about 5 minutes. - Goals include focusing on chess, avoiding blunders, and accumulating tactical patterns. 03:31 📊 *Play and Analyze Your Games:* - After tactics training, move on to playing and analyzing your games. - Learn from your mistakes and use chess engines to review and understand better moves. 06:46 📚 *Study Chess (Including Openings):* - Dedicate time to studying chess, with an emphasis on openings. - Prioritize understanding opening theory to avoid falling into traps and improve overall game strategy. 09:07 ⏰ *Optimal Training Time:* - The recommended training plan takes approximately 30 minutes daily. - Allocate time based on availability: 10-15 minutes for each element or adjust based on your schedule. 10:33 🎓 *Advanced Training Course:* - Consider an advanced course, "From 800 to 2000 ELO," for a structured curriculum and faster progress. - Course covers essential subjects needed to reach the 2000 rating level. 10:47 🍀 *Best of Luck in Your Chess Progress!* - Encouragement to the viewer for a smooth and fast improvement in chess. Made with HARPA AI
For the puzzle: like others, my first instinct was Qh5, but what about g6 first? If you play Qh5 first, black can capture the light squared bishop on c4 and you miss out on mate either way. If you play g6, black does one of two things. They either see what's coming and play Rfe8 or they don't and play bxc4. Either way, following with Qh5 ensures the king can't escape b/c the pawn on g6 will control that f7 square if the bishop moves.
2:53 Tell me that I am not wrong here, but the move is 1. g6 and its a win by force as whatever black does, we sacrifice our rook by playing 2. rh8 followed by 3. qh5 and 4. qh7#(checkmate)
Дякую за відео. Є ще думка що для новачків не треба закидувати тренування пазлів бо вони допомагають впізнавати ситуації і на них реагувати. Я не памʼятаю хто саме, але по суті їх ідея була так (для найменших новачків як я): навчись просувати фігури в середину дошки -> вивчити 1-2 відкриття для білих та чорних -> сконцентруватися на грі та аналізі + пазли (тобто 2 ваших перших пункти). Коли вже відчуваєш себе більш менш впевнено у тих відкриттях, вчи нові (ну і далі план більш менш з вашим збігається)
Thanks for this advice! I've been doing loads of puzzles (2660 rating now) and some analysing my own games, but only a little study. So this video helped me discover one weakness in my training! Quite helpful.
Good evening i found one minute to slove the puzzle Qh5 its amazing because the bishop was pin. and blacks gready to take the bishop on C3, G pawn push Qh8 is mate☺️❤🤗.
Do you think playing longer games is better for beginners? I feel like it would be so I have time to really think about my moves and learn to see lines into the future
Most games rated under 2000 are decided by tactics. So there is where most of my time is going. Then some time analyzing. Only thing you need to know for your opening are the basic rules, to complete your development and the idea behind the opening.
Qh5 is the solution. You threaten mate in 1 move and the bishop can not take your queen because of the pin to the king.If he takes our bishop, then g6 and Qh8# is unstoppable
My best chess trick is techno music. (thanks Brahs). Not being emotionally/mentally sharp and aggressive has always been my biggest issue that stops me from looking for value, keeping open minded (of what my opponent is up to) and seeing patterns. Some repetitive music keeps me on an even keel emotionally. Probably chewing gum would work too.
Qh8 (remember the pin so bishup can't take queen) they might take the light squared bishup and the g6, they can play whatever move they choose, queen delivers the mate
Not really useful tipps: You should calculate für 30 min every day! Set a time per puzzle ( 5-7min) calculate lines and evaluate your lines, i.e. come to a conclusion. You have to have a realistic setting ( little time pressure) Occasionally you can dig deeper and look for 15-20 minutes at a position. However, after 10 minutes you are looping and tend to calculate the same (- wasting time) When analysing blitz/ rapid games. There was a useful method on lichess recently: the obit- rule : -Check opening -what were your blunders and why did you do them - what was interesting about yr game ? - what (else)do you wanna take away from your game? And what my trainer ( 2550 GM suggests): if little time, calculate rather than play, ans working on openings only at the weekend ;)
Very true -- If were to suggest, just reverse those points... But its very very important to understand opening chess traps.. or you'll just end up wasting time, no matter how good you are.
What tike control should I play? If playing and analysing only takes 15 minutes, then the time control must be blitz? Only a ten minute game can take up to 20 minutes without an analysis
2:55 puzzle I initially thought pawn to g6 then bishop takes c4 bishop then queen to h5 then it will be mate no matter what but I overlooked that after pawn to g6 you have bishop to f4 so if you go queen to h5 now the bishop can go to h6 and defend, so I figured out the correct way, you go queen h5 first then bishop c4 pawn g6 pawn d3 then queen to h8 checkmate
I might’ve found a 2nd variation at 2:54 : Pawn to g6 No forcing moves for white Rook to h8 (check) King takes rook (forced) Queen to h1(check) King to g8 Queen to h7 checkmate
I have been stuck at 1600 in the last few months. I play with intuition and have never done puzzles or study. I feel like I need to take it more seriously and not play and workout at the same time as it is destroying my rating. Thanks.
Chess Study Plan (30 minutes) 1.) Tactics = 5 mins 2.) Play & Analyze = 10 - 15 mins 3. Study vhess = 10 - 15 mins Chess Study Plan (1 Hour) 1.) Tactics = 5 mins 2.) Play & Analyze = 30 mins 3.) Study chess = 30 mins
Been on a tear played lots of chess yesterday went from 1197 - 1310. I started applying aggressive principles. Keep your opponent on the defensive. March forward.
So far, this has helped me a lot. I have followed this guide, and I have not lost a game so far, which is quite amazing for me since I normally end up losing atleast 1 lol I’ve noticed that I’m getting better just from the puzzles and I changed the last part (opening practice) to learning overall through chess videos and lessons.
G6. If BxB, Rh8+ followed by KxR, Qh5+, Kg8, Qh7 mate. He can't push his g pawn forward to create a square to escape when you advance to g6, so he can't stop mate. I think g6 is the only correct move here.
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💰💲 Join the RCA Affiliate Program, promote our courses, and get 50% commission - chess-teacher.com/partnership
2000 ELO is not 5% worldwide, more like 0.001% if not better
2:44 in here black is not forced to take our queen, there's also another variation, Rxd5, Qxd5 and continue to threaten a checkmate getting 6pwans for 3.
2:56 Rh8+,Kxh8, Qh1+, Bh5, Qxh5#.
What we do :
Tactics: 0 mins
Play: 1-2 hours
Analyse: 0 mins
Study openings: 10 min videos on fancy Gambits
😢😅😅😅
I feel personally attacked 🥲
Why are you exposing me😂😂
Factssss
So true
As a 400 player, I appreciate how you believe this can get me to 2000.
Ahahhahahahha
Lmao
It won’t
It won't happen overnight of course, but we all started from scratch. This doesn't prevent you from climbing up to 2000 over time.
😂😂😂
I went from 1450 to 1350 in just 3 days… getting this on my recommended feels like a sign
Great! Hope you improve faster.
hey man. I went from 1500 to 1300 about 2 months ago... in one day 0-0. I felt so frustrated so then I kinda got a tantrum and decided I will get better. Rn Im at 1620 rapid and I'm so happy with my progress because i just kept playing smarter and such. I also started playing chess seriously September 2022, as before that i knew the rules and played casually but never took it seriously. Maybe setting goals will help you out. My goal was hitting 1500 by May this year which has been completely blown away. So then my goal was 1600 and I've just decided my goal is to read, understand, and finish a chess book that i got by may. Weird rant i went on rn but hopefully it shows you that every gets their ups and downs but as long as you are determined and have goals, you will reach it!
You better stop then.
I went from 1475 to 1050 in 3 month lol
is going down like good or something..
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:27 🧠 Start with Short Tactics Training:
- Begin with solving puzzles to focus on chess and learn different tactical patterns. This helps prevent blunders and strengthens your attacking skills.
03:31 🕹️ Play and Analyze Games:
- Play games, then analyze them using chess software or engines. Learn from mistakes, understand opening theories, and identify weaknesses in your gameplay.
06:46 📚 Study Chess, Especially Openings:
- Master essential openings for both white and black pieces. While openings won't make you a strong player alone, understanding them is crucial to progress effectively.
09:07 ⏱️ Time Management for Training:
- Allocate 30 minutes daily for a well-rounded training session. Adjust components (tactics, games, study) based on the time you have, ensuring a balanced approach to improvement.
Made with HARPA AI
I am a 2100 and i think that this training plan is very good even for advanced players.
I bet I can beat u
Is it effective? If it is true, you will be 2000
I am a 2840 and I approve
@@thelifeofkawendepetrusglen2255 give me you're name and play me on lichess if you dare
@@narutoedisson6256 Wanna play with me?My name is Granzeboma
For the tactical puzzle… Qh5, then if black bishop doesn’t move Qh8 is mate. If black bishop does move along the diagonal, pawn to g6 and then queen to h8 mate
How about rook sac check then queen to h1 check and then pawn to g6 I think that's a mate too
@@afridnawaz227 Rook e8 gives the king an escape
@@itainteasywhenitshard7087 ooo yeah yeah , 🥲 I didn't c that
Wow didnt see black bishop could move along the diagnal. Good catch
I initially looked at Rh8 but I don't think that works. After that Qh5 etc looks right so I would pick that move.
Thanks for the video Igor! I’m 1800 currently and I always find that puzzles before going into a game keep you sharp, focused and play better!
Yes! thanks for sharing.
I found something interesting, listen to Mozart before and during play.... can't explain ie. HF
@@kennethhicks2113Me: smoke weed, play Vivaldi while binging puzzles on Lichess while stoned
You must be a Bach fan ; )@@stefanwolf8558
I've been doing this training plan for a week, and I beat my own winning streak from 9 to 12!
Thanks a lot GM Smirnov!
2:54 Qh5 is the way to win! Of course the bishop is pinned so it can't capture your queen but most importantly, you are threatening to win a game on h8 or h7. Black will takes your bishop on c4 to open the escape square for his king.
But next you will play the quiet move, g6! prevent a black king from escaping and next move you will delivery the checkmate blow on h8 and black is defenseless.
I saw that as well
Just pushing g6 leads to the same end. Both Qh5 and g6 are still played, and the order makes no difference.
@@degatagauwatie4073 It's a tricky puzzle. Actually only 1.Qh5 wins. If instead White plays 1.g6 first, that allows Black to play 1...Bxf4 and then relocate that bishop to h6.
@@GMIgorSmirnov isn't Rh8+ also winning? ...Kxh8 2. Qh1+ Kg8 3. g6
@@Василий-н7т It will take time as rook on f8 will move and give chance to escape king .
Something I've found helpful is analyzing my game without the engine, taking notes explaining my thinking, then going over it again with the engine. I save this for longer time control games which I suspect had good learning opportunities. For blitz or bullet games I just do a quick check with the engine to make sure I didn't miss anything major.
Hi I found this very helpful can u go in a little deeper
i do it for blitz cuz i wont play more than like 4 blitz games a day (stops becoming fun actually)
Yes i take a voice recording as i am playing. Then play it back on engine review
I really suck at chess but have gotten better recently from practicing. I’m digging the channel thanks for keeping things moving and easy to understand. The content has helped!
It's great to know about your recent progress. "Every master was once a disaster" - keep it up!
The endgame is an extremely important component which needs to be studied to at least understand the basics. That is where many games are ultimately won or lost.
My tactic is so simple, open Lichess, start a game without time against computer and select the strongest level of stockfish and start deep thinking move by move. Analyze as soon as possible every move. In rapid games my elo was 1380 and I was stuck there but now it is 1425 in a few days. Because I'm learning why I lose the game how I blunder my pieces what is my weaknesses. Stockfish attacks always your weaknesses and force you to be more careful and the way you thinking is start to change also your focus, style, line of vision. Even the way I play games has changed. As they say "The only way to get smarter is by playing a smarter opponent".
30 minutes a day for chess 30 for guitar\piano\ukulele\whatever and 30 for drawing..in a couple of years you'll be some kind of leonardo da vinci
If your consistent with that over the course of several years then yes you will be.
Thankyou for the guidance ❤❤❤
Or broke from not being able to go to work 😂😂😂
Thank you for a great video!
I feel like actually getting better at something is often very counterintuitive.
We are tempted to just use intuition and repeat something we already did many times without growing new habits.
To get to 2000 with 30 minutes of studying a day sounds like a dream to me. I am FIDE rated at 2000 and 2200 on Lichess on rapid (NOT BLITZ). And I can tell you that just 30 minutes a day will not get you there. First I would add the word "quality" to this training program. I play OTB 60 30 training games at least once a week. I probably spend more time analyzing my games than actually playing them. My openings are my weakness, and endgames are definitely my strength, especially pawn endgames. I study DEM mainly for that, and that is very hard work. My middlegame is okay, I still need to work on how to play better with my minor pieces at that stage of the game. And as far as the opening, I am getting better and better, but if an opponent manages to beat me, it will be because of an opening mistake on my part. Chess is not so easy that one can study 30 minutes a day and get to 2000.
At that level, you will be better than 99% of all chess players. Think about that. On a more realistic level two to four hours of study per day and quality play for four years will get you there as an adult player. Going to tournaments OTB at least 5 times a year, and working with a good coach. Other than polishing your openings and practicing some tactics, Blitz is VERY detrimental to your game. It is too superficial and shallow. And it can be a complete waste of your time. It is better to play ONE game per week, at 60 minutes with a 30-second increment, analyze that deeply, study the openings, and the tactical mistakes, and allocate time for deep study during the week, than playing 1000 blitz games per day. That is my honest opinion. Nakamura is a great player and everyone mentions him as an example to the "benefits" of blitz. But no one mentions that BEFORE he did that, he did a lot of studying and OTB play and was already a GM, he had already dedicated his life to chess.
I have a friend who has played more than 15000 blitz games online and plays weekly blitz games at the chess club. He is rated about 1800 (Lichess) at Blitz and has been that way for at least 2 years! He is rated 1500 FIDE. What I find playing blitz is that MOST openings are either traps or garbage openings designed to WIN at blitz. This friend once beat me on OTB game using an opening trap he learned from Blitz. But I told him this: "Yes, you beat me, but how much time have you put into studying something that can only be used once? Instead of learning good theory and learning it deeply and precisely, which can be something useful for a lifetime, not just one game". At the end of the day, I am 2000 and he is 1500, that should say it all. BTW my score against him is plus 6 OTB, unrated casual games, and he only beat me twice. At blitz, I also have a plus score against him. (when I rarely do play blitz).
Understand your concern.
Blitzing away means using cheap tricks which the player will eventually run out of.
Without the proper analysis of each move with respect to the opponents counter , the progess of chess learning will not go anywhere.
You have really taught me a lot
sir, this is wendy's
He is probably talking about online rating and he didn’t mention for how long you would have to do 30 mins a day. My friend got to 1500 rating in less than a year with very little practice and analysis, sometimes playing gets you intuition, most blunders under 2000 rating can be seen by players max 2 moves after the move is made
How to study
Agree with everything! Studying positional understanding and openings 10-15 min per day is important. Also, keep in mind opening theory can help you understand positions more
My approach, which may seem counterintuitive, was to play less chess. I was playing 15-20 games a day, just going on to the next one and the next one. Now I play just 5 or 6 and spend time going over them looking for weaknesses.
whats ur elo
Dont Be that negative, if you are a practicing chess player (at least 3 times a week) ur rating Is "yours". On long term (statistics), early resigns- opponent blunders etc - are compensated by yours. Its variance. that rating Is yours. U May have a dip later, ( or a grow up!) Later, but its yours if u play chess continuosly.
I've been grinding out wins trying to stay near the top of my division and my rating has definitely taken a hit because of that. Fewer, but higher quality games, seems to be the way to go.
That said, I have now seen, fallen for, and can defend against a lot of the silly early checkmates. So there's advantages to doing a bit of both.
I am new to chess (Knew the basics and could play casually before) and I am loving these videos. In-depth yet simple.
Yes I figured out the first puzzle, since I recently missed a "smothered mate" in a blitz game, I kept checking until it was a draw...and later analysis showed I had a smothered mate, too bad I missed it, however it helped figure out this puzzle. Cheers!
Right answer IMO is
1.g6 (bishop is pinned) 1…Bxc3.
Now either
2. Rh8+ Kxh8 3. Qg5+ Kh7# or
2.Qg5 (king can’t go anywhere and there isn’t enough time to make space)
Like the forcing variation better.
This is the second chess improvement video I watched today. Your video is excellent. You lay out a clear specific path forward. I really appreciate the work you put into this. You gave suggestions for what specifically to study and supported the ideas with sound and specific reasons and appropriate examples. Thank you very much for this. It really helps! I’ll be back after I spend my 30 minutes studying chess using your suggestions. This video was time well spent!
The line I calculated for the puzzle 2:50. Qh5(black bishop on f7 is pinned to king and threatening mate on either Qh7# or Qh8#), Bxc4 or any other bishop move to free up an escape square for black's king, However, White can then play g6, removing the escape square. Whatever black does now, It will still be mate. It is worth noting that if black plays g6 to prevent this line, Qh7#/Qh8# ends the game on the spot. I believe this is the solution.
Yes but you failed to calculate what happens after g6(removing the escape square for the king. No matter what black does now, it is mate on the next move.(response to someone's calculation) idk if they delete message or what.
@@epiccrumbs8312 Rh8+!! Kxh8 forced Dh1+ (Bh5 is mate in 1) so Kg8 g6 and this schould be winning aswell and is more forced so i would play like that prob
also looks beatiful to me
@@weqeqeqqweqweqwe9266 Huh your calculations make no sense. You annotations don't relate to the puzzle, do you mean another position?
@@weqeqeqqweqweqwe9266 I get what you mean, but you fail to calculate what happens that after Qh1+, Black doesn't have to play Bh5, they will instead play Kg8. You have no attack. After something like g7, Black will play Bxc4, and you simply loss your rook for no reason so you are down a severe amount of material. Therefore your line was wishful thinking and not an accurate line if black plays correctly. It was def a nice try though.
thank you igor,you are my favourite chess youtuber when i started watching you i was 800 elo and now i am 1600
- Start with tactical training: solving puzzles (0:27)
- Focus on attacking moves and forcing moves in tactics (1:21)
- Analyze your games with an engine to identify mistakes (3:44)
- Prioritize studying openings to ensure a good start (6:42)
- If short on time, pick one or two key activities (9:30)
- If more time is available, allocate extra time to playing/analysis and studying (10:01)
Right now I'm at 1800 blitz but I've started to attend some Classical tournaments so I'm really looking forward to improving, thx for this vid
I am around 1600 and 1700 and i beat regularly 1700 and 1800 players of chess and i want to go until 2000 my dream or maybe more if possible!Thank you,for your great advice,i understand with the fact,i raise my level,so my opponent are more wise and better prepared too,so i need to be more wise too if i want to raise my level more fast!I think this what i need to do right now!You do a great work for us Igor,this is greatly appreciate!
What is your rating now?
► Chapters
00:00 How to train chess effectively & improve faster?
00:26 Chess Study Plan: 1) Tactics Training
02:51 Practice Puzzle: Can you find the win?
02:57 Chess Study Plan: 2) Play & Analyze
04:08 Analyzing your chess game with engine
06:36 Training Plan: 3) Study chess (openings)
08:18 Studying positional concepts in chess
09:00 Chess Training Plan for 30 minutes per day
10:00 Training Plan if you have more time available
2:53 The winning move is I think Qh5, black may play Be6 or Bxc4 (the only sensible move to create a room for the king incase white plays Qh8+), but that can be solved with g6 by white and I think there is nothing black can do to stop the checkmate
is g6 first bad
@@mememanfresh yes because black can then move his rook anywhere and create some escape room for his king
How does white play e6?
@@NotBamOrBing it's g6 instead
2:50 1.g6 Bxc4 2.Rh8+ Kxh8 3.Qh5+ Kg8 4.Qh8#
If any other move there's also 2.Rh8+
If 1.g6 Re8 2.gxf7+ Kf8 3.Rh8+ Ke7 4.Qe1+ and there's a big attack.
By the way, nice video.
I was 1000 ELO two years ago and then I got "steps" to go further: in a year I wanted to get to 1200 which I did. Then I said to myself "2023 I will get to 1300" which I did and feels nice. I now want to get to 1500 by the end of the year
What is your current rating?
@@prakash_clt 1150 lol 😂
@@GabrielLopez-we6yn How did you come down from 1300 to 1150?
@@prakash_clt good question. Playing really bad I guess. Trying hard to get back there
2:55 The move is Qh5, which he has no way to defend, because after Bxc4, you have g4, and it's a gg. He can try to take on c2, but you simply go Ka1.
Rh8+ Almost works, just that after Qh1+ Kg8, g6, He can simply move his rook over and escape.
My plan which got me up from 1400-1700 in a few weeks: watch one chess video 15 min, play 1-2 games, analyse and learn from your mistakes, research the opening if you havent seen it before. In total this takes around 2 hours.
Time control? Videos about the Botez sisters? :D
Could you be more specific, would be very grateful for your help.
I honestly think this is great, im current a 1500, and used to lose a lot of points until i actually started playing like 3 -5 games per day, nothing more, and lots of puzzles.
THANKS, I got from 1150 to 1450 in a single week, and this big thank is also for other of your videos!!!
Hey I used one of your old courses from a long time ago briefly. It literally helped my game tremendously.
I don't play much anymore but I can say that those few days of following along with your course improved my game a whole lot.
Your advice is gold and I know that it works. Any serious player should consider some of Igor's work.
Thanks! 🙏
Thanks Igor Smirnov for the video.I am improving gradually in my games after dropping from 1000 to 737 in a week.The lessons are really helpful💯👍
2:54 as a 1200 rated player, i think this is the solution
Qh5. The bishop cannot take as it is pinned. Black has no way to check the king or capture queen. Qh8# is a win
So you okay Qh5 and then Black plays Bishop C4 Taking your Bishop and then also giving the King a sqaure to run to
@@shadowlp9790 Good point
After Bishop takes, I will move my g pawn to g6 and then the king will have nothing
Tactics answer: Rh8+, Kh8, Qh1+, Kg7, g6, any move by black, Qh7++
This sounds like a great study format. I have two questions.
Do you have any recommendations on how to study openings? (good sources, etc.)
When do you think it's best to start regular self-training on endgames as well?
i just discover this channel and that just perfectly what i need thx you
This is the best Chanel to learn chess. I really like how you are teaching. It’s not many channels that are so good as you. Many thanks from sweden. ❤❤❤
😃
2:52 1. Qh5 Bxc4 2. g6 Bxf4 (it's M1 anyways so might aswell take the pawn with you) 3. Qh7 or Qh8#
I love your because of the detail and the stuff you teach
As a lichess rapid 2100 player,I can confirm that this is so true.Endgame is something that you need to study once in a while(l mean study things apart from your games).However,opening is what you should work on every day.
Puzzle at 2:52 Rh8 Kxh8 Qh1 Kg8 g6 and they can’t stop mate
What about Rfe8? Black escapes. Qh7+ Kf8
Great video! I think it is good to add that in 2:34 after black's Qa5 white has monstrous Qb5!!+ and after Q:b5 Nc7# comes
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:27 🧠 *Start with Short Tactics Training:*
- Begin your chess training with short tactics training (solving puzzles) for about 5 minutes.
- Goals include focusing on chess, avoiding blunders, and accumulating tactical patterns.
03:31 📊 *Play and Analyze Your Games:*
- After tactics training, move on to playing and analyzing your games.
- Learn from your mistakes and use chess engines to review and understand better moves.
06:46 📚 *Study Chess (Including Openings):*
- Dedicate time to studying chess, with an emphasis on openings.
- Prioritize understanding opening theory to avoid falling into traps and improve overall game strategy.
09:07 ⏰ *Optimal Training Time:*
- The recommended training plan takes approximately 30 minutes daily.
- Allocate time based on availability: 10-15 minutes for each element or adjust based on your schedule.
10:33 🎓 *Advanced Training Course:*
- Consider an advanced course, "From 800 to 2000 ELO," for a structured curriculum and faster progress.
- Course covers essential subjects needed to reach the 2000 rating level.
10:47 🍀 *Best of Luck in Your Chess Progress!*
- Encouragement to the viewer for a smooth and fast improvement in chess.
Made with HARPA AI
1. g6, after any black move play
2.Rh8+, Kxh8
3. Qh8+, Bh5
4. Qxh5+, Kg8
5. Qh7#
For the puzzle: like others, my first instinct was Qh5, but what about g6 first? If you play Qh5 first, black can capture the light squared bishop on c4 and you miss out on mate either way. If you play g6, black does one of two things. They either see what's coming and play Rfe8 or they don't and play bxc4. Either way, following with Qh5 ensures the king can't escape b/c the pawn on g6 will control that f7 square if the bishop moves.
2:53 Tell me that I am not wrong here, but the move is 1. g6 and its a win by force as whatever black does, we sacrifice our rook by playing 2. rh8 followed by 3. qh5 and 4. qh7#(checkmate)
It’s actually placing your queen on h5 after pushing the pawn. Then queen h8.
I really need this video. Thank you, GM Igor. Appreciate that.
Дякую за відео. Є ще думка що для новачків не треба закидувати тренування пазлів бо вони допомагають впізнавати ситуації і на них реагувати. Я не памʼятаю хто саме, але по суті їх ідея була так (для найменших новачків як я): навчись просувати фігури в середину дошки -> вивчити 1-2 відкриття для білих та чорних -> сконцентруватися на грі та аналізі + пазли (тобто 2 ваших перших пункти). Коли вже відчуваєш себе більш менш впевнено у тих відкриттях, вчи нові (ну і далі план більш менш з вашим збігається)
Thanks for this advice! I've been doing loads of puzzles (2660 rating now) and some analysing my own games, but only a little study. So this video helped me discover one weakness in my training! Quite helpful.
Nice work!
Solved it while laughing really hard at "tease your little sister"! A teacher with wit is a rare find.
😎
The solution for 2:52 is white plays Qh5 threatening mate. Checkmate is forced. If black makes a bishop move, then white plays g6 followed by Qh8#.
1. Qh5 Bxc4 (creating escape square) 2.g6(taking escape square away) any legal move. 3.Qh8#
I'm stuck at 1460-1480 ..hoping this will help me go higher...
*New subscriber*
1.Qa3 Qc5 2.Nb4 (whatever move black does ) 3.Nc7 chckmate
Great video, thanks!
Good evening i found one minute to slove the puzzle Qh5 its amazing because the bishop was pin. and blacks gready to take the bishop on C3, G pawn push Qh8 is mate☺️❤🤗.
Do you think playing longer games is better for beginners? I feel like it would be so I have time to really think about my moves and learn to see lines into the future
Most games rated under 2000 are decided by tactics. So there is where most of my time is going. Then some time analyzing. Only thing you need to know for your opening are the basic rules, to complete your development and the idea behind the opening.
Qh5 is the solution. You threaten mate in 1 move and the bishop can not take your queen because of the pin to the king.If he takes our bishop, then g6 and Qh8# is unstoppable
Well done!
@@GMIgorSmirnov I thought g6 for a while but didn't realise that after sacrificing the Rook, blacks bishop can just say no to you
Hands down the Best!!! Video RUclips instruction. Thank you
As always, terrific!
My best chess trick is techno music. (thanks Brahs). Not being emotionally/mentally sharp and aggressive has always been my biggest issue that stops me from looking for value, keeping open minded (of what my opponent is up to) and seeing patterns. Some repetitive music keeps me on an even keel emotionally. Probably chewing gum would work too.
Qh8 (remember the pin so bishup can't take queen) they might take the light squared bishup and the g6, they can play whatever move they choose, queen delivers the mate
Qh5, Bxc4, g6, any move, Qh7/Qh8 - Checkmate
I have to work hard to make small improvements. So this might help
me to get to 2000.
Thank you so much I will follow this study plan and hopefully reach the 2000 rated level! ❤
2:54 I think that solution is as follows: 1. Qh5 B:c4 2. g6 and black has no defense from Qh7/h8X.
Not really useful tipps:
You should calculate für 30 min every day! Set a time per puzzle ( 5-7min) calculate lines and evaluate your lines, i.e. come to a conclusion.
You have to have a realistic setting ( little time pressure)
Occasionally you can dig deeper and look for 15-20 minutes at a position. However, after 10 minutes you are looping and tend to calculate the same (- wasting time)
When analysing blitz/ rapid games. There was a useful method on lichess recently: the obit- rule :
-Check opening
-what were your blunders and why did you do them
- what was interesting about yr game ?
- what (else)do you wanna take away from your game?
And what my trainer ( 2550 GM suggests): if little time, calculate rather than play, ans working on openings only at the weekend ;)
3:30 I played this exact game as white when I was unrated (around 14 years ago)
Very true -- If were to suggest, just reverse those points... But its very very important to understand opening chess traps.. or you'll just end up wasting time, no matter how good you are.
Qh5, Bxc4 then the great move g6 wins for white on the position you gave for tactical exercise. ❤
What tike control should I play? If playing and analysing only takes 15 minutes, then the time control must be blitz? Only a ten minute game can take up to 20 minutes without an analysis
Qh5 wins on the spot , the line goes Qh5 , Bxc4 ; g6 and Black is defenseless against Qh8 mate 🤝🏿 . Nice tactical drill indeed 👍🏽
You could also just push g6, Qh5 still follows, and the same mating-net cannot be avoided.
👍
@@degatagauwatie4073 Indeed , It's a great line also
@@degatagauwatie4073 I don't think that works, because you give Black time to play Bxf4 and then block with Bh6.
i'm actually proud of myself, i saw that first puzzle immediately :)
2:54 1.Qh5 Bxc4 2.g6 Bf6 3.Qh7 (or Qh8)#.
I think.
2:55 puzzle I initially thought pawn to g6 then bishop takes c4 bishop then queen to h5 then it will be mate no matter what but I overlooked that after pawn to g6 you have bishop to f4 so if you go queen to h5 now the bishop can go to h6 and defend, so I figured out the correct way, you go queen h5 first then bishop c4 pawn g6 pawn d3 then queen to h8 checkmate
I might’ve found a 2nd variation at 2:54 :
Pawn to g6
No forcing moves for white
Rook to h8 (check)
King takes rook (forced)
Queen to h1(check)
King to g8
Queen to h7 checkmate
1.g6 2.Re8
That’s basically what I saw too.
1. g6, Bxc4 2. Rh8+, Kxh8 3. Qh5+, Kg8 4. Qh7#
I have been stuck at 1600 in the last few months. I play with intuition and have never done puzzles or study. I feel like I need to take it more seriously and not play and workout at the same time as it is destroying my rating. Thanks.
Great advice. Thank you!
I will add 10 minutes to that schedule, watching your videos once a day.))
1. Qh5 BxB
2. g6 Bd5
3. Qh8 checkmate
Chess Study Plan (30 minutes)
1.) Tactics = 5 mins
2.) Play & Analyze = 10 - 15 mins
3. Study vhess = 10 - 15 mins
Chess Study Plan (1 Hour)
1.) Tactics = 5 mins
2.) Play & Analyze = 30 mins
3.) Study chess = 30 mins
This is what I was looking for, thanks a lot!
Puzzle solution: pawn to g6 , then rook to h8 , then queen to h1 and then queen to h7 checkmate
This video is very helpful, thanks for being the most educational chess youtuber!
🙏
I think the solve to the 2:55 puzzle is Qh5, and if Bxc4 g6 and there is no way to stop the Queen coming to h7 or h8, delivering a checkmate
Thanks for all your help I am rated 1200 so I'm sure my rating will skyrocket
I love your RUclips name, let's make it come true for you!
Thank you so much!!
Thanks very much! Excellent lesson!!
Been on a tear played lots of chess yesterday went from 1197 - 1310. I started applying aggressive principles. Keep your opponent on the defensive. March forward.
Awesome to hear that from you! 💛
So far, this has helped me a lot. I have followed this guide, and I have not lost a game so far, which is quite amazing for me since I normally end up losing atleast 1 lol
I’ve noticed that I’m getting better just from the puzzles and I changed the last part (opening practice) to learning overall through chess videos and lessons.
Time 2.52 g6 (to lock in Q) then rook+ then Q+ then Qh7
❤❤❤thanks
Gonna follow it for 21 days
G6. If BxB, Rh8+ followed by KxR, Qh5+, Kg8, Qh7 mate. He can't push his g pawn forward to create a square to escape when you advance to g6, so he can't stop mate. I think g6 is the only correct move here.