Only Chess
12 Apr 07
12 Apr 07
There was a time when I struggled with the 1200 and 1300 barriers. Now I fluctuate around 1400 (peaked at 1472). Short term it seems to go up and down within a 100 rating range, but the overall trend is an increase (bit like inflation).
I am sure you will eventually routinely break the 1500 barrier and go even higher, just takes a lot of time and practice. 🙂
12 Apr 07
Originally posted by Dutch DefenseI have the same problem but it's 1700 and 1500. I never go below 1500 anymore but when I top 1700 it starts crashing back down; If I stay in the 1650 area, I can maintain that. I think the amount of fluctuation is directly proportional to the number of concurrent games you play.
It seems like every time I get my rating really close to 1500, I lose a few games in a row and it drops back under 1400. Then when it's about to drop under 1300, I win a few games in a row and it gets close to 1500, and so on. I don't know if it's because I'm playing too fast, or I'm playing too many games, or something else. Can anyone help me? Please? 😳
I am cutting down on my games now in the hope that I will analyze more with fewer games, thus allowing myself to blunder away fewer games and maintain that 1700 rating.
12 Apr 07
Originally posted by Dutch DefenseDutch Defense - I strongly believe I have the answer.
It seems like every time I get my rating really close to 1500, I lose a few games in a row and it drops back under 1400. Then when it's about to drop under 1300, I win a few games in a row and it gets close to 1500, and so on. I don't know if it's because I'm playing too fast, or I'm playing too many games, or something else. Can anyone help me? Please? 😳
You have 180 concurrent games. This is 20 times the gameload that a player wanting to improve should have.
You cannot hope to improve beyond your ceiling when you find yourself logging on to the next game and feeling you have to move in an instant just to keep on top of your waiting games.
Whilst I am not following my own advice, if I wanted to achieve my old OTB rating of just over 1700, I would not play more than half a dozen games.
In a real OTB game it is not uncommon (for key moves) to spend 20-30 minutes assessing the position, your opponents options, and your own candidate moves. When was the last time you spent 20 minutes assessing a move?
Make yourself slow down. Your opponents are beating you not because they are so much better, but because they are assessing the game position more astutely than you. They will see tactics you miss in your rush, and will see your threats as they are superficial and not based on sound analysis.
Follow my advice and I bet you that in 2 months you can be 1550 or above. You should not be losing to players under 1300 if you have achieved a 1500 rating - but I see you are? This is lack of focus, not lack of ability (I assume)
Best of luck
12 Apr 07
1 edit
Originally posted by PolicestateThanks. 🙂
Dutch Defense - I strongly believe I have the answer.
You have 180 concurrent games. This is 20 times the gameload that a player wanting to improve should have.
You cannot hope to improve beyond your ceiling when you find yourself logging on to the next game and feeling you have to move in an instant just to keep on top of your waiting games.
Whilst ...[text shortened]... rating - but I see you are? This is lack of focus, not lack of ability (I assume)
Best of luck
12 Apr 07
Yep, I know the feeling of fluctuation all too well. But, as someone already posted, it always seems to be a gradual increase. In addition to using the analyze board (VERY IMPORTANT) and decreasing your game load (EVEN MORE IMPORTANT), you might consider asking an RHP member for help...you'd be surprised how nice RHP players are...I asked kmac27 for some practice games, and I (with his help) broke 1400 for the first time since my provisional rating. I'm back in the 1300 range, but now I'm aiming for 1450. Best of luck to you; know you aren't alone!
14 Apr 07
Originally posted by PolicestateMy cutting down on games strategy isn't working. Any other suggestions for me? 😞
Dutch Defense - I strongly believe I have the answer.
You have 180 concurrent games. This is 20 times the gameload that a player wanting to improve should have.
You cannot hope to improve beyond your ceiling when you find yourself logging on to the next game and feeling you have to move in an instant just to keep on top of your waiting games.
Whilst ...[text shortened]... rating - but I see you are? This is lack of focus, not lack of ability (I assume)
Best of luck
14 Apr 07
1 edit
Originally posted by Dutch DefenseYou have only dropped around 20...you still have 160 (way to many)
My cutting down on games strategy isn't working. Any other suggestions for me? 😞
If you want to have a reasonable number and still have enough not to feel bored and waiting all the time, shoot for around 40 total games (not games dropped 🙂 )...
14 Apr 07
1 edit
Originally posted by PolicestateI'm half-way there now. Game 3422650 😀
Dutch Defense - I strongly believe I have the answer.
You have 180 concurrent games. This is 20 times the gameload that a player wanting to improve should have.
You cannot hope to improve beyond your ceiling when you find yourself logging on to the next game and feeling you have to move in an instant just to keep on top of your waiting games.
Whilst ...[text shortened]... rating - but I see you are? This is lack of focus, not lack of ability (I assume)
Best of luck
14 Apr 07
1 edit
Originally posted by Dutch DefenseGood luck 🙂
I'm half-way there now. Game 3422650 😀