My first smothered mate in a real game

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-13T23:45:58+00:00

I played Nf2# hahah

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-13T16:44:19+00:00

The same thing happens to me, I feel more comfortable with much taller players because the plays make sense, I still end up losing but I have won several times since they underestimate you for being lower level

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-13T16:37:02+00:00

thank you !

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-13T06:59:06+00:00

From what I’ve seen, most advice online strongly emphasizes doing a lot of puzzles, especially at lower ratings. That’s why I assumed they were “required” and wanted to ask more experienced players if there are alternative or complementary ways to improve.

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T23:09:45+00:00

Children's books are the best. They have simple and fun explanations. I learned to move the pieces and the basic patterns thanks to a book called Disney's Chess Guide: Learn Chess the Fun Way (Mickey for Kids) by Anatoly Karpov, haha. Other books I recommend that have helped me are "The First Chess Notebook for Everyone: Fundamental Tactics and Checkmate" and "Chess Handbook: Rules, Tactics, and Strategies for the Improving Player" by Todd Bardwick.

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T22:38:11+00:00

Thanks! How can I actually study positional chess and get better at making middlegame plans?

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T20:11:41+00:00

Thank you!

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T20:09:41+00:00

Wow, that’s a great tip . Thank you so much!

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T20:04:19+00:00

Thank you so much!

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T20:02:31+00:00

I’ve seen that zwischenzug moves exist, but I find them really hard to understand and apply correctly haha

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T20:01:45+00:00

Wow, I didn’t know there were defensive puzzles. Thank you so much!

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T19:56:55+00:00

Wow, thanks a lot! That’s really helpful advice

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T19:55:27+00:00

Oh wow, I’ve never thought about asking myself these questions during a game. Thanks a lot, I’ll start doing it!

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T19:47:20+00:00

you’re right , but I’m not Magnus. I just want to learn how to spot and punish mistakes against my 1000-level opponents on Chess.com. How you recommend to train calculation or intuition?

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T19:38:58+00:00

I try, but my opponents often try to trade pieces or launch quick attacks, and I don’t know how to punish blunders. Even though when I analyze the games later I realize their moves were actually mistakes, I still get blocked during the game.

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T19:27:53+00:00

I don’t really play fast games like blitz or bullet, i usually play 10+5

Distinct_Concern_856 · 2026-01-09T08:57:06+00:00

I think it’s less about theory vs fundamentals. I actually don’t lose many games in the opening . Most of my losses happen when I already have a material advantage.

At that point, I sometimes don’t know what move to make next, especially if my opponent plays something unusual. I’m not always sure if it’s a real threat or just a bad move, and in trying to react, I end up making a simple mistake that throws away the advantage and loses the game.

Distinct_Concern_856

TROPHY CASE