It was confirmed today by the organizer that there will NOT be a 2007 Governor's Cup in Sioux Falls SD. That's a shame since it was a one of my favorite events from last year.
Dennis Monokroussos had some comments for me on his blog (scroll down to Getting to 2000?)
When I started my plan to get to 2000 was to play many rated games, then get a coach and work on my weaknesses, and also study tactics/end games. That's what I did(I only got about 5 lessons). I did start making progress (measured by rating going upto 1885) . But about 4 months ago things started going wrong when I kept losing lots of games and my rating went back down to my floor of 1800.
I plan to do the same thing again. Most of the stronger players say I play far too much. I plan to spend Aug and Sep working with a coach.
if you really wanna get to 2000, We can play a match and I'll just let you win all the games. I am a solid USCF expert so wont take too many games for u to win 2 get it 2 2000.
ReplyDeleteYou have to be persistent. Coach is a good idea. Hopefully he will teach you some strategy motives that you lack in your games. Don't get me wrong, your games in general are not so bad but you do have some strange looking moves throughout a game I wouldn't play if I was you.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you play too much. It's just that you need to analyse played games. Especially your defeats. Find out where you went wrong and what would you do different if found in the same situation. And track your proress using a database like Chessbase or Fritz.
You are still focusing far too much on ratings - as distinct from chess understanding and playing strength. For instance, you speak of progress "as measured by rating going up t0 1885." One's true rating is a band probably 200 points wide, so a fluctuation like you experienced is only to be expected.
ReplyDeleteIvan-
ReplyDeleteAre you playing in Green Bay this weekend? I am thinking of going. Want to split a hotel?
Also, in my opinion, playing competitive games is central to improvement. Play, review, study, repeat.
-Pete
I'd like to see some analyses of your games (stressing ideas and plans - and done without Fritz) that you are confident you could show to a 2400.
ReplyDeleteThey say that postal chess - nowadays that might be email chess - helps develop deeper chess understanding.
ReplyDeletePete,
ReplyDeleteYes, I am going to the GB Open, but have already made arrangements.
If you want, I can ask my friend if he minds an additional body in the house.
Adios
Ivan-
ReplyDeleteSure, that would be great. Still not 100% on coming, waiting on something- but asking couldn't hurt.
-Pete
Only complication is that it is about 45 min away
ReplyDeleteFirst time at your blog: I wish you luck in your goal. I have little doubt you will reach it (err, I am assuming you are not 98 years old).
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame.
ReplyDeleteWorking with a coach now looks a little bit like giving up your "quest" to me.
I think if you read Silman and then study opening books like the "Starting out" & "Play the..." series you get more for your buck.
BRUZ