I suck! What should I do?

Don't blame yourself!First:how long you play chess?YMaybe you need a bit more experience.Then,I think,why you don't play standard?In this way you will have time to think well and see every possible continuing of the game.Look videos is good, but don't think that in few months you can improve much...you need time,and if you really like the wonderful play of chess, your work will be rewarded.Don't descourage if you lose games and make mistakes,but after the game analyze it well,to understand your mistakes.Dedicate also your time to tactical exercise and look at Grandmasters games.In addition to openings,study endgames too.Play opponents stronger than you,it's a good way to learn.

Good luck!

Go to a Binky !

At this point, i would not look at GM games yet. i would just study tactics and the basic opening principles. Many traps start by breaking an opening principle (or in some shape, giving up the advatage, otherwise they wouldnt be a trap, just a good move). By improving at your tactical vision, you will recognize and neutralize these threats more effectively.  Then the next thing you have to do is punish your opponent for breaking the principle.

 ...all this, and be sure you know basic endgames.  Nothing worse to reach the endgame with advantage and not know how to capitalize.

GM games are fun to look at, and no doubt can be learned from at some point, but right now, the best marginal gains can be achieved from practicing opening prnciples and tactics tactics tactics.

If you suck, you have to spit once in a while.

Meanwhile, begin by getting some opening principles embedded in your brain and go from there. e.g.

TEN OPENING RULES

1. OPEN with a CENTER PAWN.
2. DEVELOP with threats.
3. KNIGHTS before BISHOPS.
4. DON'T move the same piece twice.
5. Make as FEW PAWN MOVES as possible in the opening.
6. DON'T bring out your QUEEN too early.
7. CASTLE as soon as possible, preferably on the KING SIDE.
8. ALWAYS PLAY TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CENTER.
9. Try to maintain at least ONE PAWN in the center.
10. DON'T SACRIFICE without a clear and adequate reason.

For a sacrificed pawn you must:
a) GAIN THREE TEMPI,
b) DEFLECT the enemy QUEEN,
c) PREVENT CASTLING,
d) BUILD UP a strong attack.

Silmans Endgame course is a great book for endgames.  Each chapter is dedicated to a rating level, and it prescribes that you understand the chapter at your level inside and out before moving on.  intuitively, if you and your opponent are evenly matched rating wise and reach an endgame, you will be adequetly prepared with the material covered in your relative rating chapter.

For opening principles, whether absorbed from videos or books, elenibotros in right in that it still requires practice on how to follow them most effectively.

As for tactics...they are everywhere...just find the time to do them.  10 a day, 20 a day, 50 a day...whatever you have time for.

I think you're right; I've looked at some GM games and I don't get the moves, esp. when they move toward the endgame where there are only rooks or bishops.

About traps; I think I don't violate the opening principles that much but I still fall for the traps. Is it good to go through the moves for the famous traps? Or is there any better options. My problem is that I don't know how to improve; the first respnse, for example, mentions playing in standard time? Would this really improve my game? Because I really don't have that much computer time to myself so I'd like to know if it's necessary? Maybe I should do correspondence instead? I just discovered this that you can do it on this site. Any sources you rocemmend for tactics and endgame?

EDIT: Thanks, I posted before I saw your response.

Precisely!

But beyond "getting them embedded" you have to realize how to take advatage of when your opponent breaks the principles and know what could possible go wrong.  This goes back to the experience part...learn from your mistakes against stronger players who know how to take advantage of your opening mistakes and go from there.  There are plenty of games that also show examples....but this is why i would recommend not looking at GM games because it is not as common for them to lose by not following one of these rules...and if they didnt follow it, they usually had a very specific reason

learn the Opening Principles:

1. Control the center - this is why first moves like e4-d4-e5-d5 are best for beginners.

2. Develop your minor pieces toward the center - they control more squares.

3.  Castle - King safety!

4.  Connect your Rooks.

Always ask yourself 2 questions before moving:

1. Can my opponent capture any of my pieces?

2. Can i capture any of my opponents pieces?

Always make sure your pieces are safe.  When you decide on a move, look at it again, just to make sure. 

Study basic mates:

KQ vs. K

KRR vs. K

KR vs. K

Study tactics...tactics...tactics...

Waseman,I said standard but I wanted say correspondence indeed...

I use tactics trainer with my phone.  I do them on the bus, lunch breaks, sometimes before bed. If you dont have a smartphone, work books will do, but i would avoid those that are divided by tactical motif.  "chapter 1:Forks" for instance.  It is tremendously easier to find tactics when you know what to look for, and by practicing tactics, you are already at an advantage just because you already know that A tactic is available...you dont want to give yourself any more help....if that makes sense

Take a careful look at this topic http://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/improvement-in-chess-according-to-elo .

Thanks for the help guys.

I've looked at one of your games and see a few issues:

Try these free Chess Mentor courses.  Don't be afraid to do them over and over again until you can recognize the patterns.  Good luck!

http://www.chess.com/blog/webmaster/free-chess-mentor-courses

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