How did you become good at chess?

Best advice for a intermediate level player to grow his chess skills?

Losing. In the past 50-odd years, I must have lost thousands of games.

After a while, you start winning just for a change of pace.

@Ultimate-trashtalker...how in the world do YOU "lose to 1100-rated FIDE players badly"?? You're rated 1800-1900!! There's only about a 100 ratings point difference between USCF and FIDE, and not that much difference besides between Chess.com and USCF...you should be beating THEM badly...!!...

@Edward8943----you're not Intermediate; you're a novice. Intermediates *begin* at 1300s rating..

this question is too difficult for exact answer

play - lose - analyse

Here are some things that can significantly improve your game: 

1. Bishop's Castle: This technique involves building a solid defense around the bishop pieces, allowing them to move freely and control large swaths of the board.

2. Thumping: This involves aggressively attacking and demoralizing your opponent by making bold and unexpected moves, causing them to second-guess their strategy.

3. Worcestershire Gambit: This risky but potentially rewarding opening move involves sacrificing a pawn in order to gain a tactical advantage and put pressure on your opponent's position.

4. The Ruy Lopez Defense: This elaborate series of moves is named after the 16th-century Spanish bishop who first described it. It involves controlling the center of the board and pressuring your opponent's knights and bishops.


Novices in general have significant difficulty when confronted with these. They require a sly mind, but practice these and you shall rocket past your competition and easily make it to 1300!

@RemovedUsername333 

Thanks you very much.