For an 800 player I'll actually suggest first establishing a strong understanding of the basics before jumping straight to complicated theory. Learn to recognize patterns in games, such as forks, skewers and etc. I'd recommend watching Youtube channels like gothamchess, he's really good at explaining concepts and tactics in a beginner friendly and fun way. He has youtube lessons on danger levels and when to trade/decline, how to attack, you name it all. You can also do puzzles on chess.com or lichess(unlimited free puzzles) and learn 1-2 openings for White and Black, and some endgame theory. Just focus mainly on reducing and preventing one-move blunders and you'll be fine at that level.
800 elo - > 1000
Sort:
"I'm struggling to find a definitive list of courses from chess.com that beginners (elo 800 should take). "
++ Just hang no pieces or pawns and grab whatever pieces or pawns your opponent hangs.
"I don't play rapid, I enjoy daily games"
++ Rapid especially 15|10 is good. Daily is good too.
"I should study a lot more than I do to get better."
++ Find a balance. Play without study is futile. Study without play is sterile.
"A lot of resources are too detailed"
++ You need no resources. Best is Chess Fundamentals - Capablanca
"when to take" ++ When you benefit from it.
"when to attack" ++ When your opponent has neglected his defense.
"Attacking castled and uncastled king but in non-master games." ++ Analyse your lost games.
"My games never look like the master games"
++ You are no master. When you get better, your games will look more like it.
"if I try to play Ruy Lopez" ++ Ruy Lopez is a good choice for white and for black.
"the pawn is taken on move 3" ++ Ugh... 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 and now what?
Ben Finegold keeps it simple and explains things well. But the best thing you can do is find out the idea behind the pattern you are learning. Remember it is a pattern not a move order. Play it through fast a few times to see the moving pattern. Understand the way the pieces and pawns influence each other and the squares. Sometimes a slow explaination distrupts the pattern recognition so find the explaination first, learn the pattern, then get understanding.
I got chessable app to practice patterns, openings, endgame, I think that this daily practice would help you so.
I've written several posts aimed at helping players like you who might not be able to afford a coach. Here are some links to those posts:
1. How to Improve at Chess: Ultimate Guide
[https://www.chess.com/forum/view/for-beginners/how-to-improve-at-chess-ultimate-guide]
2. Jumpstart Your Chess Journey: Proven Tips for Beginners [https://www.chess.com/forum/view/for-beginners/jumpstart-your-chess-journey-proven-tips-for-beginners]
3. From Good to Great: Mastering Piece Arrangement on the Board [https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-lessons/from-good-to-great-mastering-piece-arrangement-on-the-board]
4. Dominating the Board: Mastering Aggressive Moves in Chess
[https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/dominating-the-board-mastering-aggressive-moves-in-chess]
5. Outsmarting Opponents: Creating and Exploiting Weaknesses
[https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/outsmarting-opponents-creating-and-exploiting-weaknesses]
6. Piece Domination 101: How to Neutralize Your Opponent's Forces
[https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/piece-domination-101-how-to-neutralize-your-opponents-forces]
7. Mastering Piece Trades: Transforming the Chess Battlefield [https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/mastering-piece-trades-transforming-the-chess-battlefield]
8. Practical Endgames Demystified: Techniques for Victory [https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general-chess-discussion/practical-endgames-demystified-techniques-for-victory-95628525]
I hope you find these resources helpful in your chess journey. If you ever feel like you'd benefit from personalized coaching, feel free to reach out to me. Keep up the good work and remember, every game is a learning opportunity!
Hi!
Have you tried with the help of a coach? It is the more effective way to progress.
If you are interested in improving at chess, you may check out my post: https://www.chess.com/blog/maafernan/chess-skills-development
Good luck!
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Hi
I found a number of posts that recommend resources outside the chess.com but I'm struggling to find a definitive list of courses from chess.com that beginners (elo 800 should take).
I don't play rapid, I enjoy daily games but I feel like I should study a lot more than I do to get better. A lot of resources are too detailed for my level like advanced pawn structures.
I'd like to understand the general concepts better - things like when to take and when to attack. Attacking castled and uncastled king but in non-master games. My games never look like the master games, if I try to play Ruy Lopez at my level I guarantee the pawn is taken on move 3. That never happens in master games...
Thanks if you made it this far
Jed