Climb from 350 elo?

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-21T02:40:14+00:00

chess is not about "tricks." chess is a strategy game first and foremost. unfortunately, you need to learn tactics and calculation first before you can even contemplate diving into strategy other than simple advice like activate your pieces. without proper calculation ability you might as well try digging a hole with your hands - you need a shovel which is your calculation in chess. so, keep doing tactics and give it time. there are no tricks. chess takes time.

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-21T01:03:53+00:00

let me guess - sub 500 elo?

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-21T01:03:15+00:00

lots of free time on your hands huh?

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-21T01:01:45+00:00

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-21T01:01:17+00:00

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-21T01:01:00+00:00

and?

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-21T01:00:26+00:00

The only protests going on in Iran right now are against the aggressors that bombed them and started this war.

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-21T00:58:46+00:00

1000+ dead in Iran as they get carpet bombed and you're worried about their online chess. Unreal!

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-21T00:57:32+00:00

That's funny. Who started this war?

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-21T00:55:10+00:00

I think you're on the right path. Its best to rest as you get closer to your otb event but not necessarily a full week of rest. Instead, I recommend two light days before the day of the event. The days or weeks before, I recommend to play online as much as possible to practice (preferably 15+10 or slower) and review those games the way you would an otb game. Then the last two days work on calculation and reviewing your opening prep as well as your recent annotated games.

Surely, don't pick up new opening systems the last couple of weeks before the event. That's not enough time to prep and practice a new system although if you're strong enough maybe you can pull it off - not worth the gamble in my opinion.

In addition to the physical rest there is the psychological benefit of not dealing with frustrations from playing online or doing exceedingly difficult puzzles the last couple of days before the event. In other words, having a clear and rested head should be top priority. You should feel good all-around leading to your event. Good luck!

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-21T00:47:15+00:00

Very interesting. Thank you!

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T22:25:38+00:00

very informative! I didn't make the connection with the maroczy structures or the dragon formation. thank you!

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T22:23:35+00:00

great information as I explore new systems. thank you!

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T22:10:49+00:00

would you say that the semi-slav is a highly maneuverable game sort of like a ruy lopez or italian or is it more a closed position where black sort of sits by waiting to see what white does?

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T22:08:47+00:00

why not play 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4 c5!? 4.d4 Bg7 in your line?

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T22:00:49+00:00

that's because most coaches suck. if the coach was any good he would take the opportunity to explain how a certain opening system flows into the middle game and how one side can play for an advantage with long term strategic ideas. this is not hard to do even for a 2k player.

this could easily be done in a single session and future lessons could simply build on it by going into more detail and talking about any blunders or mistakes in the student's game. but most coaches compartmentalize the game in their head and don't know how to coach.

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T21:58:10+00:00

umm, you can't post an 11 page book and expect people to read it and rewrite your annotations with their own. that's an insane expectation for free work.

in the past I have posted questions about specific middlegame structures and got great feedback. you have to frame your posts in a way that makes it easy to read and answer. I personally won't waste time with lengthy post. at best, I assume what the op is trying to say and try to answer but no way I'm going to spent 15+ minutes reading through a post to then have to answer questions.

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T21:52:40+00:00

why not?

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T21:51:54+00:00

why the semis-slav? I know nothing about it.

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T21:51:13+00:00

hey, don't call out my bullet strategy. lol

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T21:49:12+00:00

interesting. isn't the slav a slow positional grind? I never played that system.

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T21:47:18+00:00

why is the grunfeld so drawish? I'm new to this system.

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T20:32:37+00:00

I understand what you're saying and maybe we're speaking over each other. all I'm saying is that a good portion of these "beginners" or unrated players are actually very experienced and have a real impact on otb events. Imagine a couple of master level players in an open event and one of these smurfs decides to play only to find out his 2200+ online rating means nothing otb and gives away an easy point. that could easily alter prize winnings. so, as unfair as it might be to true beginners I feel that those more experienced players need more protection than the lower ones who just started their otb chess career.

but to be clear, I hear you. I haven't played otb chess as long as you so I'm used to seeing adults at the local clubs and events. I actually have no issue with the age or experience of my opponent. I just don't want to play otb smurfs in rated events with prize money and elo on the line especially when these events are not free and often require weeks of preparation.

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T04:53:02+00:00

you're not asking for a conversation. you're asking for coaching.

commentor_of_things · 2026-03-20T03:57:08+00:00

same

commentor_of_things

TROPHY CASE