Lessons I've learned:
- Being safe when trying to win a won game is a good thing, but don't go completely into a shell. Be more aggressive with trading off those pieces.
- Keep the tactical radar on at all times. Don't get lazy and fail to calculate hard moves in a won game.
- Keep pawns on the board when up material! We all know this, but I didn't follow it like I should have. Those general rules exist for a reason.
If you're really interested in OTB chess, we have a small group dedicated to chess improvement on chess.com that you can join (please mention your blog and you've been contacted by Laurent when you apply).
ReplyDeleteRegards,
http://www.chess.com/groups/view/over-the-board
Would be interested to see your thoughts on dumping your previous openings. I think that if it's a question of moving from nearly-useless memorization to where you are thinking for yourself, then it's bound to result in an improvement in your game.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I recently dumped the sicilian - as well. As I focused myself more on Chess improvement I became convinced I didn't understand blacks strategy well enough. espacially in more serious games during a tournament.
ReplyDeleteas for the whole point of changing chess openings... I have never done a lot of memorization on any chess opening. the point was to get an idea how to fully develop all my peices. I'm hopeful that in time I would better understand how to develop a plan in chess, and not just aimlessly chase the peices around.