My NEW Chess Improvement And Training Plan
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Hmmm…so what do I have in my hard-drive that I could use for chess improvement and training?
- 83 heavily annotated games analyzed by FMs and IMs.
- George Renko’s famous tactics training ChessBase databases
a. Intensive Tactics Course 1
b. Intensive Tactics Course 2
c. Killer Moves
d. Deadly Threats
So how am I going to train with these? How do I get the most out of them? Here’s the plan that I came up with –
a. On All Days Of The Week – Exercise my tactical eye using Renko’s tactics training databases. However, I’m planning to study in a certain way…I would use Michael De La Maza’s “7 Circles Of Chess Tactics” method.
To those of you who are familiar with it, I’m sure you’ve noticed chess masters trashing this method of training tactics. But I think, coupled with a good chess training and improvement plan, it can bring tremendous benefits. Although, this method of training is really I-N-T-E-N-S-E! A lot of motivation is needed to complete the 7 Circles.
If you’re not familiar with it, the “7 Circles Of Tactics” involves going through about 1000 tactical exercises 7 times. The first cycle would take about 32 days, the second cycle would take 16 days, for the third one – 8 days…and all the way down to the seventh cycle where you MUST answer all 1000+ exercises in one day!
I’ve given this system for training tactics a shot a couple of years back, but I never got to finish all 7 cycles. Thanks to my J-O-B. I believe I was able to finish only the first 3-4 circles. However, I have noticed a significant leap in my ability to spot tactics over the board.
But now that I’m working as a freelance writer, which gives me more spare time, I’m confident I can finish all 7 cycles.
b. Study A Master Game From Monday – Friday – IMHO, just playing games and reading the annotations isn’t enough. I think it’s too passive to help you increase your playing strength in a short period of time.
In light of that, here’s what I’ll do with the annotated master games – First, find the raw game scores. Predict the moves after the opening phase and write my own analysis and notes to the game. Only then will I consult and read the in-depth annotations provided by the IMs and FMs who analyzed the game.
I think the benefits from this method of studying master games are enormous – first, it helps me exercise my chess thinking strategy, not to mention it gives me a sneak peek to how master’s think.
c. During Weekends Play 3-4 Games Against Stronger Players On G/60 Time Controls – Alright, this facet of my chess improvement plan will put the things I’ve learned throughout the week to the acid test – bringing them all together in an over-the-board game.
Of course, these games should be analyzed right after they are played and my thoughts during the game should also be noted.
And I think that’s about it. Not a lot, but I think, coupled with playing games with stronger chess players at G/60 at least, these should be enough for now. I’m planning to get IM Silman’s books –
- Re-Asses Your Chess Workbook
- How To Re-Asses Your Chess
- Inside The Amateur’s Mind
…when I have enough dough.
Yeah, I’m a huge fan of Silman and many other club players are. And when you give his books a try, I’m sure you will be, too! As for the opening phase, which is my ‘Achilles Heels’, I’m planning to grab 3 ChessBase trainers authored by another favorite chess writer and trainer of mine – GM Nigel Davies.
The King’s Indian Attack – I’m not the one to memorize reams and reams of theory! The White setup – e4, d3, Nf3, Nd2, g3, and Bg2, has been successfully used both by masters and amateurs. It’s a very good weapon especially against the French Defense.
This will give me more time to spend on other aspects of chess training and improvement.
1.e4 For The Creative Attacker – Another White opening CD. Well, sadly, the King’s Indian Attack can’t be used against 1…e5 and the Scandinavian Defense. This should be covered by this ChessBase trainer. And I think it’s a good idea to have a backup opening repertoire just in case I grow tired and bored with the KIA.
1…d6 Universal - I’m yet to read a review of this ChessBase trainer. But as I’ve said, I want something that’s universal and can be relied on almost all the time in the opening phase. I have a hunch that this is going a great CD. After all, GM Davies is one of England’s leading exponents of 1…d6 and other related openings like the Pirc and Modern Defense.
Chess Improvement Plan Without Books? I’ve Got An Idea!
Bad news – as mentioned in my earlier post, I’ve lost all of my chess books that I’ve held close to my heart. I was clueless how to start a chess improvement plan. I’ve relied on these books for honing my skills – thinking method, tactical eye, strategic thinking, etc.
The good news is that I’ve got it all figured out now!
I just remembered that I was once a member of a chess membership site where they offer games annotated by Romanian FIDE Masters, International Masters, and Grandmasters. Fortunately, I can still remember my log-in information.
And after keying in my username and password…VIOLA! I now have 83 heavily annotated and analyzed master games, with quizzes in between the moves, at my disposal. The only question to be answered now is how I am going to use them…what chess improvement and training plan will I use that will get the most out of these annotated games?
I’m yet to figure out, but discovering these annotated games is definitely a good start!
