Below 1200, most games are decided by hanging pieces. Beyond 1400, you must calculate tactics accurately, not just avoid blunders.
Instead of just following principles, start developing a structured repertoire. Learn typical pawn breaks and middlegame plans for your openings.
At this level, opponents know basic mates. Study rook endings, pawn majorities, and technique to convert advantages consistently.
Move-by-move play is no longer enough. Learn concepts like weak squares, open files, good vs bad bishops, and prophylaxis.
Donβt just spot blunders. Analyse why they happened. Did you miscalculate, misjudge the position, or lack strategic understanding?
Rating climbs demand consistency. Control nerves, avoid tilt, and maintain focus even against weaker opponents. Psychology matters more as mistakes shrink.
At 1600+, managing the clock is about allocating time to critical positions, not just avoiding time trouble. Learn to sense when the moment demands deep calculation.
Choose 10β20 master games in your openings and replay them often. Seeing recurring structures accelerates your transition into intermediate play.
Improvement to 1600+ requires both study and practice. Playing alone hits a plateau; study without play lacks testing. Balance both in your routine.
Use checklists, training logs, and structured plans. The habits you form now will carry you far beyond 1600 if maintained.