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There are many ways to improve your chess, but I want to mention a few that have really helped me. One way is to study the games of grandmasters. Another is to write down your moves (you'll automatically do this if you play in tournaments) and later analyze your moves on the board. Other useful ways to improve your skills are to play against stronger players and solve chess problems.

You can make different moves on a chessboard or on a computer if you have a chess program and play them out. I find it particularly useful to try to make the best possible move for my opponent. Once in a tournament I offered my opponent a draw even though I felt I had a possible win. I did so because we both had little time left on our clocks and I was very tired. Later, though, in the privacy of my own home and without any time pressure, I calculated that I had a win in 11 moves. Unfortunately, though, I couldn't find the win during the actual game.

I always try to see as many moves ahead as possible. At the very least, I try to calculate my opponent's best response to my move and my response to that. Other advice I have is to play what your opponent doesn't like. For example, I know that some players love closed positions, so I try to open the centre when I play against them. Others love certain openings so I try to avoid them. At the same time, you need to play an opening that you're comfortable with, so don't avoid an opening that you're opponent is good at if it gets you into one that you're very uncomfortable with.

Playing against stronger players can be very humbling, but it's an excellent way to improve your game. It forces you to play to the best of your ability and gives you the opportunity to learn from them. Many have taught me a lot about the game in their post-game analysis. I've learned a lot about chess by playing against stronger players.

Another excellent way to improve your chess skills is to solve chess problems. For example, you might be asked to find mate in one or the best move for either white or black. If you can do this by visualizing the moves in your head, you develop a greater ability to calculate variations and recognize patterns. I remember I once spent about half an hour trying to solve a problem. It was very challenging, but solving it gave me an incredible sense of satisfaction. In a chess tournament, you have lots of time to make your moves, so there's no need to rush unless you're in time trouble.

Speed chess can be very exciting, but most top players don't recommend it as a way to improve your game. The reason is that because of the time limit, it's often difficult to make the best possible move. One player who excels at speed chess is Bobby Fischer, but most players need considerably more time to find the best possible move.

Finally, remember that chess is very psychological. Once I played against a player who favoured a very fast pace. In hindsight, I should have slowed the game down and taken more time with my moves. If I had done so, it would have irritated him and definitely have given me an advantage.

Playing against strong players is an excellent way to improve your chess skills. Analyzing your own games, solving chess problems and studying the games of grandmasters are also great paths to mastery.

Learn more about this author, Les Zsoldos.
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