Over the last 15 years, I have coached hundreds of chess players in person, and thousands more have studied my online training courses. Drawing from that extensive experience, in today’s lesson, I’ll share with you the 7 most common mistakes that stop players from breaking the 1500 ELO barrier.

• Play active openings. Choose openings that lead to more open positions as these will give you more opportunities to learn how to attack.
• Backward is awkward. Since you already moved your piece, it will be a waste of time to move it back unless absolutely necessary.
• In an opening, development is a priority. One of the most common mistakes players make is launching an attack without developing their pieces first. Subsequently, their attack becomes premature and easily countered.
• Castle within the first 10 moves. The king in the center is vulnerable to attacks from more angles. Castling helps keep the king safe and connect the rooks.
• In the middlegame, attack. (Go forward and create threats). The way to win in chess is by attacking your opponent. Hence you need to attack on his side of the board.
• Neutralize pieces that attack your territory. Enemy pieces on your half of the board are more likely to cause problems. Eliminate their threats to avoid blunders.
• Ugly moves are rarely good. If a move seems awkward, it usually is. It’s unlikely to be a good move.

7 Simple Tips To Reach 1500+ ELO Video

If you’re struggling to surpass the 1500 ELO rating or if your rating constantly fluctuates between 1300-1500, then this video is a must-watch to help you overcome these challenges. Watch the video to learn how to apply these tips.

Additionally, this lesson includes a practical chess training exercise. I will analyze a game played between two players rated around 1500 ELO, highlighting the typical mistakes they make, ensuring that you learn how to avoid them.

This video provides a clear path and comprehensive guide to help you improve your chess and finally break through this rating barrier.

Below, you can find the example game shown in the video:

If you’d like a complete program for chess improvement, then you’ll love this. We have assembled a selected number of courses structured to help you reach 2000 Elo rating. And yes, even if you’re below 1500 Elo, the courses will still be able to help you add a few hundred Elo points. If you’re interested in this, go check out Boost Your Elo to 2000 Bundle.