Playing more, getting worse
Sort:
When I try and go aggressive, I extend myself too far and get beat. When I go passive, I get walked all over by the other players initiative. I am actively getting worse. Help.
I looked at some of your games. A couple things. You seem to get out of the opening pretty well, so that’s a positive! But your aggressive you talk about seems to be sacrificing pieces for no reason. If you don’t see a follow up don’t sacrifice. Also, just asking yourself “is this move safe” and “why did he/she make that move” would at least double your rating and make you much better. Good luck!
Thank you both for the positive words. Much appreciated, I was very frustrated tonight.
it seems like when I'm playing better it's because I'm doing better recognizing "key moments" in the game, where I'm going to really utilize one of the Morphy golden rules. seems like this usually comes about 5 moves in, after the immediate opening. this is where advantages are decided a lot of the time. often times it's as simple as kicking a piece to gain a tempo.
Maybe a better way I could put it - when I'm struggling it seems like I'm either A) Paying mind only to my plans without regard for theirs or B) the opposite, worrying only about what they're doing and reacting instead of formulating my own offense. striking that balance can be tricky. one of the best lines I've heard was "the best moves do two or more things at once. "