Most sub-1200 games are decided by hanging pieces. Double-check before every move: “Is anything undefended?” This habit alone adds rating points quickly.
Spend at least 15–30 minutes daily on tactical puzzles. Focus on forks, pins, and simple mates—patterns that occur most often in beginner games.
Don’t leave your king in the center. Quick castling avoids many sudden disasters that plague beginners.
Instead of memorizing moves, follow principles: develop pieces, control the center, and connect rooks. This works in any opening below 1200.
Bullet won’t help you improve at this stage. Stick to rapid or classical games where you have time to think and avoid careless mistakes.
Practice mates like back-rank, ladder mate, and queen + king vs king. These wins must be second nature to finish games confidently.
Know how to checkmate with king + rook, promote a pawn, and use opposition. These basics convert advantages into wins consistently.
Look back at each game, even briefly. Spot if you’re blundering in the opening, middlegame, or endgame. Fix one recurring issue at a time.
Volume helps, but only if combined with reflection. Playing 10 thoughtless games is less useful than 2 carefully played and reviewed games.
Celebrate small improvements—like winning more pieces or reducing blunders. Confidence is built step by step, not overnight.