5 Habits of Fast-Improving Chess Players

Most players don't get stuck because they lack talent. They get stuck because of habits. After 35 years of coaching, here are the five that consistently move players forward.

1. Analyse your own games

The single most valuable thing you can do is look back at your games — especially the losses. Where did the position turn? What were you actually thinking? You learn far more from one honest review than from ten games played on autopilot.

2. Solve tactics every day

Just 10–15 minutes of puzzles a day sharpens your pattern recognition. Chess is roughly 99% tactics for improving players — train them like a musician trains scales.

3. Have a small, solid opening repertoire

You don't need 20 openings. You need a handful you understand. Depth beats breadth: know why the moves are played, not just the order.

4. Play longer games

Blitz is fun, but real improvement comes from games where you have time to think, calculate and make a plan. Slow down to speed up.

5. Get feedback from a coach

A coach sees the blind spots you can't. The right nudge at the right moment can save you months of frustration.

Want help building these habits? Message me on WhatsApp — I coach online and in person.