Chess is a complex game that requires a lot of practice and study to improve one’s skills. If you want to progress from an intermediate player to an advanced one, you need an effective training plan. In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to study chess effectively and efficiently.

Set Goals

The first step in any training plan is to set goals. Without goals, it’s difficult to know what you’re working towards. Decide on what your ultimate goal is, and then break it down into smaller goals that are achievable. For example, if your ultimate goal is to reach a rating of 2000, then set smaller goals to achieve a rating of 1500, then 1700, and so on.

Learn from Chess Videos

One of the most engaging and effective ways to study chess is through videos. There are many websites and YouTube channels that offer instructional videos on various aspects of chess, including opening principles, endgame tactics, and positional play.

Watching chess videos can help you understand the game’s intricacies and learn from the top players’ moves. Moreover, you can pause and rewind the video to review a particular move or position.

You can also watch live streaming of chess tournaments and analyze the games. This will help you understand the thought process of the grand masters and improve your analytical skills.

You can checkout my YouTube channel, which has over 750 videos which covers all the chess concepts.

Play Against Stronger Players

Playing against stronger players is a great way to improve your chess skills. They will challenge you and expose your weaknesses, which you can then work on.

Playing against stronger players also gives you an opportunity to learn from them. Observe their strategies and tactics, and try to incorporate them into your game.

Analyze Your Games

Analyzing your games is a vital part of studying chess. It helps you understand where you went wrong and how to avoid making the same mistake in the future. After you finish a game, go through it to identify a couple of takeaways that you can learn from.

This process doesn’t need to be time-consuming or complicated. Instead, focus on the critical moments in the game, such as missed opportunities or tactical errors.

Solve Puzzles

Solving puzzles is an excellent way to focus on chess before you start playing. It is also an opportunity to accumulate different tactical patterns that will help you improve your game.

Taking at least 5-10 minutes daily to solve tactical puzzles can help you improve your chess game. By accumulating these patterns, you can develop a library of ideas that you can use to your advantage in future games.

Create a Study Plan

Once you have identified the areas that you need to work on, create a study plan. Set aside specific times for each activity, and stick to the plan. Make adjustments as necessary based on your progress. Here is 30 min study plan that you can train everyday.

Take Breaks

It’s important to take breaks while studying chess. Chess can be mentally exhausting, and taking breaks will help you stay fresh and focused. Take a few minutes to stretch or go for a walk between study sessions.

Conclusion

Studying chess requires dedication and practice. However, you don’t need to spend hours each day studying. By incorporating unique and engaging ways to study chess, such as watching videos, playing against chess engines, solving puzzles, studying openings, and joining a chess club, you can improve your game and enjoy the process.

Remember, consistency is key, and small steps taken each day can lead to significant progress in the long run.