Any tips/tricks on how to improve at a 1000 level?

Hello,

 I have recently achieved the rating of 1000, and am seeking to improve my chess game. I would like to know of any tips that I could use to do this. I have been studying chess openings and basic checkmates and endgames so far. I have also been doing puzzles a decent amount, about 15 - 20 minutes a day.

Should I continue in this way, or change my way of study?

Drop opening studies from your routine and replace it with basic tactics training. You’ll go farther mastering basic tactics than to study openings.

Add game analysis or at least skim your games regularly.

Set your outgoing challenges to -25 and +infinity to challenge your self and learn from stronger players. Losing is a part of improvement and learning.

Usually the advice at this level is mostly for offense. Tactics, puzzles etc. Which are well and good, but king safety and having your pieces protecting each other is good defensive advice and those skills are vital at all levels.

Thanks for the advice. I have two more questions:

- I regularly analyse my lost games, but I am unsure on what the key points I should pick out from the game and learn from my mistakes.

- Secondly, which tactics do you recommend mastering? Forks, pins, mates e.t.c.

@chessterd5 @Chuck639

Looks good to me! I would emphasise tactics and analysing your games, you can post them of forums and people will help. Although I would only really take advice from someone 1600 or higher

As you can see, my tactics training consisting of 1200-1800 range on all themes. Anything beyond that is over kill and unpractical at the 1500-2000 club level where I am at:

Thanks so much for the advice. I do love the being-hit-by-a-car analogy

1260 in rapid in one month it's good or bad?