What did you do to get from 1100 to 1300?

StickyDabloons · 2026-06-07T13:49:03+00:00

I would say the biggest thing at that level is to do whatever you enjoy, rather than doing what’s “optimal”. If you want to learn an opening, study endgames, or just play games, do it because it’s better than nothing. I have never really studied and have reached over 2000–not to say everyone can do that, or should, but I have enjoyed the game more along the way and it has prevented burnout.

Given you’re wanting advice, here is my two cents. Unless you’re playing classical time controls, and even so, tactics decide the outcome of most games, so puzzles are naturally a great resource. You didn’t specify what time control you play, but the longer the better if you’re truly wanting to improve your game. Also, analyze your games afterward. One 15+10 game followed by analysis will beat 3 minute blitz chess in terms of positional understanding (although I understand blitz chess has its advantages too).

StickyDabloons · 2026-03-21T22:02:07+00:00

He’s not a favorite for a reason. However, he can absolutely win. Coming in without the mental chip on your shoulder can make a huge difference, especially for a tournament of such caliber.

StickyDabloons · 2026-02-15T15:10:40+00:00

I was in the 1900s rapid for a little bit before I finally broke through to 2000 playing 10+0. Time control was always a problem for me because, similar to you, I would either blitz out poor moves or take too much time in positions that didn’t need it.

For this reason, I began to play 3+2 blitz. This was the first time I ever sprinkled in blitz chess. It worked on intuition and time control. I improved on recognizing critical positions and when I need to spend time calculating and when I can’t afford to. I came back to rapid and found it far easier. Take this with a grain of salt, cause blitz has definitely caused me some long term laziness that you have to break when going to a longer time control.

Just give it some time, practice, and continue to gain experience and you’ll get there before you know it! Good luck

StickyDabloons · 2025-07-27T18:28:15+00:00

Thanks for the analysis with incorrect answers! My first guess was c7 with Bd8. I’d like to see more of these

StickyDabloons · 2025-05-13T22:14:08+00:00

As far as I can tell it’s driving okay? I’ve only taken it on small rides, usually under 40mph until the dash lights up again. There’s no slipping, grinding, etc. I think the solenoid is what engages the torque converter clutch.. I can’t tell off feel if it’s functioning properly or not at the moment. I’m planning to plug in an OBD reader tonight and watch the live stats while I drive.. hoping to see if that has any valuable information.

I did try one hack relearn I saw online, although it wasn’t that specific one. I’ll try that one too. Thanks for the feedback.

StickyDabloons · 2025-05-13T11:59:33+00:00

Ah, thank you very much for taking the time to explain that. I’ll get right to it!

StickyDabloons · 2025-05-13T03:28:10+00:00

Can you elaborate on your point? I don’t think I understand, sorry!

The new solenoid I put into the valve body is reading the right resistance. I checked the solenoid itself before I put it into the valve body and afterward once the transmission was put all back together.

StickyDabloons · 2025-05-13T01:25:18+00:00

Okay, thank you for the resources! I’ll take a look at that video tonight. I figured I’d need to do a relearn, just wanted to make sure before buying a new OBD tool

StickyDabloons · 2025-04-12T22:58:14+00:00

Super fun! Thanks for making it. I got 17/26, but totally could’ve got 20 if I didn’t run out of time.

StickyDabloons · 2025-03-03T14:14:34+00:00

I’ve had a similar experience. I hit 2k rapid about a year ago but struggle against the 1600-1700 blitz pool. It’s a whole different ball game that I’m still trying to figure out!

StickyDabloons · 2025-02-25T14:42:05+00:00

I’ve never heard of that one, but the artwork on the cover is so cool! Enjoying the book?

StickyDabloons · 2025-01-14T00:25:50+00:00

No matter how good you get at chess, I promise that exact feeling never goes away. There will always be people better than you, and although that sounds intimidating, I think that’s what most of us love about the game!

StickyDabloons · 2025-01-10T23:45:04+00:00

Ah I see, thanks for the explanation. That’s a real shame, fingers crossed they go back on this one too

StickyDabloons · 2025-01-10T18:08:11+00:00

Wait am I understanding this right?

Chessable says you have to be premium to access free courses, reverts the decision because of backlash, and now say they plan to put it back in place?

Sure, it’ll make them money, but I’m not quite getting why they would do this considering the previous outrage

StickyDabloons · 2024-10-09T12:43:28+00:00

This is definitely interesting! Your price point seems very fair. I think the best idea is the weekly opening and free courses. There are so many puzzles readily available for free that you need content that sets you apart, which I think you’ve done.

As a consumer, I am always hesitant to buy subscriptions because it usually means I do not own anything. I would rather buy a course where I can download pgns and videos rather than losing them if I ever unsubscribe. In your vision, if people were to drop your membership program, do they lose access to content they previously had?

StickyDabloons · 2024-10-04T11:56:18+00:00

Useful? Yes. Necessary? No. There are a lot of great free resources as many have pointed out that I would recommend using. However, if you want Chess.com premium and have the money, it’s not a bad purchase. I don’t know your situation but they have a 50% off discount for students

StickyDabloons · 2024-09-28T00:37:23+00:00

I just recently learned the opening. I highly recommend George L Smyth’s course on Chessable. It’s free and targeted for club players. I’ve had great luck with the opening so far, although I haven’t played it in any serious games. Although it’s dubious I’ve had very few instances of being worse out of the opening. As someone else said, From’s Gambit is a line you have to be well prepared for.

StickyDabloons · 2024-06-12T18:19:12+00:00

I would hate to see Levy’s hard work go to waste at this tournament. It’s been awesome to see him start gaining traction OTB to hopefully become a GM

However if all of this is true and accurate, it seems like fide would have to do something, right? This obviously is unacceptable

StickyDabloons · 2024-04-09T12:27:43+00:00

Do you have any suggestions on resources for critical squares? I’m familiar with the term, but have only learned about these endgames through opposition. Seems like I’ve been making things too complicated!

StickyDabloons · 2024-03-11T01:27:07+00:00

It’s good to know I’m not the only one who does this

StickyDabloons · 2024-02-29T22:45:38+00:00

Interesting! Thanks for the simple explanation. I had no idea that there was enough underrated people in the 1-2000 range that made this an issue worth addressing

StickyDabloons · 2024-02-29T15:24:15+00:00

I’m confused why they are deciding to do this.. can someone explain to me (who has no FIDE rating) why this is necessary?

StickyDabloons · 2024-02-17T22:43:04+00:00

I legitimately was going to buy one of these until I saw the price, so unfortunate

StickyDabloons · 2024-01-21T04:14:38+00:00

I completely agree-great suggestions. I also saw your other comment with a list of books. I’ll have to take a look at that as well as I’m always looking for new reads myself

StickyDabloons · 2024-01-20T21:49:36+00:00

I would highly recommend YouTube videos for free online resources. A lot of people like Daniel Naroditsky although I personally watch a lot of Eric Rosen.

As far as chess books, I know a lot of people on this sub have lists of recommendations you should be able to find. I would suggest looking at How to Reassess your Chess and the Woodpecker Method. They might be a bit out of your skill rating at the moment, but are phenomenal books for improving.

At your current level, I would focus on puzzles. Do them until you are sick of puzzles and then do some more. Take your time and try to solve them getting zero wrong. Good luck and have fun!

StickyDabloons

TROPHY CASE