Unlocking the Secrets to Achieving 1300+ Rating on Chess.com
Written on
Chapter 1: My Journey to 1300+
Navigating the initial stages of chess can be quite challenging, a sentiment I can personally attest to.
I began my chess journey at the age of 33 in late 2020. Although I had picked up some rules and basic tactics in my childhood, I never truly committed to the game. After a decade-long hiatus, I returned to the chessboard feeling as if I were a complete novice. Initially, I played mostly on Chess.com, where my rating lingered around 900. However, I have since made significant progress and now boast a rating in the mid-1350s, placing me among the top 10% of players on the platform.
While being in the top 10% may sound noteworthy, it’s essential to recognize that I am still a novice in the broader chess community. Nevertheless, I take pride in my growth and am now actively working toward raising my rating even further.
For those who are also beginning their chess journey or are entirely new to the game, I’d like to share some invaluable resources that have greatly aided my development.
Video Description: In this engaging video, watch as I climb the rating ladder to 1300 on Chess.com, showcasing my strategies and tactics in a live speedrun.
Section 1.1: Top Chess Platforms
My two favorite chess websites are Chess.com and Lichess.org, both of which are essential for any chess enthusiast. Chess.com operates on a freemium basis — you can create a free account and play, but premium features require a subscription. In contrast, Lichess.org is a non-profit site funded by donations, offering all its features for free.
One of the most significant factors contributing to my improvement has been consistent play. Both platforms facilitate quick matchmaking, allowing you to find games within moments, often pairing you with opponents of similar skill levels. I’ve maintained a routine of playing at least a few times weekly over the last year and a half, which has undeniably contributed to my growth.
A mistake I made early on was engaging in too many blitz games, which are played at a rapid pace and often do not allow for thoughtful consideration of moves. I've noticed a marked improvement in my ratings during periods when I focus on longer time controls.
After each game, both sites provide the opportunity to analyze your performance. I initially dedicated time to reviewing every game, which significantly benefited my learning. However, when I fell out of this habit, my progress stagnated. Recently, I’ve recommitted to this practice.
Subsection 1.1.1: Exploring Chess Tempo
Another website I recommend is Chess Tempo, which offers a wealth of tactics puzzles. While both Lichess and Chess.com feature tactics puzzles, Chess.com limits free accounts to just three puzzles per day.
Chess Tempo also boasts an impressive interactive book feature, offering several free chess books. This allows you to engage with chess literature while practicing on an interactive board, providing immediate feedback on your moves, which I have found tremendously beneficial.
Section 1.2: Recommended Reading
One standout resource is “Chess” by László Polgár, a classic book that focuses on essential tactics for beginners. Its unique approach emphasizes very simple tactics, including a substantial section on “mate in 1” puzzles. Although these may seem straightforward, working through them has greatly enhanced my ability to quickly read the board. At a mid-1300 rating, many games are still lost due to significant blunders. As a beginner, my priority should be developing the fundamental skills to avoid these mistakes rather than tackling complex puzzles.
Chapter 2: Learning from Experts
Video Description: Discover actionable strategies in this video on how to reach a 1375 rating on Chess.com, featuring live examples of gameplay.
The final recommendation I have for new chess players is the YouTube channel of John Bartholomew. As an international master, he has produced several series of free videos that provide clear and practical advice for improving at chess.
What I appreciate most about his channel is its accessibility for beginners. It’s perfect for those who understand the basics but are unsure of how to progress. His content was among the most beneficial resources I encountered when reigniting my passion for chess.
Good Luck on Your Chess Journey!
I often observe beginners purchasing every chess book available or experimenting with countless resources. I’ve made this mistake myself. However, I believe that during the early stages, it’s more effective to concentrate on a few high-quality resources instead of spreading oneself too thin.
While I have explored various resources, the ones mentioned above have proven to be the most instrumental in my chess improvement. If you are new to the game or just starting out, I hope these recommendations will be beneficial for you too!
About Benya Clark: I am a former assistant public defender turned writer, with a blogging background focused on addiction, mental health, and more since 2018. If you appreciate my content, please consider supporting my work on Ko-fi to help sustain this blog.