The end of Q1 2021 marks my first three months on my journey towards IM. Since I have 10 years this equates to 2.5% of my allotted time. So how has it been so far?
Well let’s look at each of my year one targets and give myself a score out of five depending on how well I’ve done.
Create a training program 1/5
This has been a total failure. I’m all over the place with my study at the moment. I should be going through Silman’s Endgame manual, but I’ve only done this for a few days, most of the time I’m just watching random chess youtube videos. One basic way to improve here would be to do something like 10 tactics daily and then 1 hour of Silman. Of course I would need to make this a habit, but that’s going to be quite difficult for me as I have an impulsive personality and I don’t settle into routines well. Hopefully building these study habits will lead to better self discipline and a more consistent approach to chess improvement.
Reach 1600 strength 3/5
This one is a bit of a guess, but I feel that I ‘ve learnt quite a lot from the various youtube videos I’ve been watching. Most of the knowledge is strategy based as well as some general plans in certain structures. One thing that I don’t do, which is probably very uncommon among chess improvers, is actually play chess games. I haven’t played a single game in the last 3 months, and this is primarily due to the next two goals I am suppose to achieve.
Develop a very simple white repertoire 0/5
I hate learning opening theory. I have absolutely no patience to learn lines and I really dislike playing from memory. I have always preferred to work things out for myself, even when I was a university student, I remember opening my end of year exam and being disappointed to see that one of the questions was from the textbook and so I already knew the answer. Another reason that I’m avoiding learning any opening theory is that I don’t want to get sucked down the rabbit hole of “just one more variation”. My aversion to learning openings is mostly what is keeping me from actually playing games. I don’t want to fall into the trap of learning opening lines to increase my online rating.
Stop being crushed as black 0/5
This is the same as above.
Determine my playing style 4/5
I have noticed that I enjoy strategy more than tactics, a logical, position game is much more enjoyable for me to watch than a tactical attacking game. Closed positions, with little interaction between sides during the opening phase appeal to me more that open positions with early skirmishes. I enjoy studying the endgame and I except my style will develop into that of a grinder.
Get into better shape physically 1/5
Only a little progress here, again it’s about building habits and not just impulsively working out three times in a day, but for only one day a month. As with developing a consistent training program, achieving this goal will involve overcoming my aversion to routine and developing self discipline.
Kick my caffeine habit 3/5
I’m down to just one drink a day, and I’m aware that caffeine doesn’t help me focus, it just makes me jittery for a couple of hours until I crash. I think I will try cold water to the face or doing 10 push ups e.t.c as a replacement for any caffeine drink. I feeling quite hopeful about this one….
Finish building this site 4/5
A lot of progress has been made with the SRS logic, and I think I have a logical way to organise the lessons and related flashcards. The next step is to start usability testing and of course bug finding.
Overall Score: 16/40
Honestly this has been a disappointing start to my chess improvement journey. My main problem, as I have mentioned several times above, is my lack of good habits and consistency. However, I feel that once I have some good foundations, my rate of progress should increase considerably.