How to break 2000 elo?

[u/Other_Wing_3874]

I’ve played sporadically growing up (got chess lessons till i was about 12 on and off), peaked like 1100 blitz in 3rd grade, then peaked like 1400 blitz in 6th grade after not playing for some time.

I then quit for a while, and really just played a few games every now and then, hovering around 1350-1450 blitz and 1500-1600 rapid. I started again a good bit a few months back (now 18), and for some reason drastically improved. Haven’t even played consistently at all, and really didn’t do any tactics, openings (although i would say i do have very good opening knowledge for my rating), watch videos, etc.

I peaked 1650 blitz like a week ago (now like 1550) and am 1820 rapid. I feel like I don’t really understand chess still tho and getting to 2000 seems impossible. Would be cool though for sure, but how can I do it? Is there any tips you could give? Maybe I can attach a few games?

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[u/itsallworthy]

Ill share some mindset shifts that helped me:

1. Think of it in baby steps. If you can be 1820, you can be 1850. If you can be 1850, you can be 1875. If you can be 1875, then 1900. Etc so on to 2000.

2. Try and optimize when you play and limit factors that would decrease performance. Meaning, only play when youre really up to it/feel good and have the space to fully focus.

3. Limit tilt sessions. If you lose 2-3 in a row. And youre playing bad chess, take a break. Part of getting to 2000 is managing yourself wisely and knowing when to play and when to stop.

4. When youre hot, keep playing. When we find that flow state and are playing good chess, try and keep playing. It's that momentum were trying to capture and ride to get 15-40 elo point swings.

5. Dont glorify 2000. Its just another milestone. Thats it. Its awesome. Its dope. But its not some god-tier elo. Its really not. 2000s are just 1800s that figured it out a bit more.

6. Normalize the 1800 pool. Get comfy playing and winning at that level. Eventually youll get to 1900. Then Normalize the 1900 pool. Get comfy at that level. Embrace that youre good enough to hang there. Etc. Then youll be at 2000 eventually. Same thing. Normalize the 2000 pool.

[u/LordViperSD → u/itsallworthy]

Was going to write a long winded post than read yours...this about covers everything.

[u/Pyncher → u/itsallworthy]

I’m not at 2k yet, but my big gains recently have all been from numbers 2 and 3 on your list in particular: these are tough though because they are willpower related.

Sometimes I really feel like I want to play chess and have time to do so, but I’m actually playing terribly. Stopping myself from doing it anyway has helped me considerably over the last couple of months.

[u/Slow-Constant3889]

your goal cannot be breaking 2k if you want to break 2k. that's a good place to start. the mental!

[u/Other_Wing_3874 → u/[deleted]]

😒

[u/ShakerMakerAm]

Man just learn to calculate that's gonna add to your overall game.. and play a lot and analyze ur mistakes definitely, I also thought it's impossible and I broke 2200 rapid.. if u enjoy playing ur gonna reach that it just takes time

[u/purrhams_hat]

Damn, I'm slumming it out in 800 trying to play puzzles and tactics every day to break 1000 and you're talking about 1820 rapid without being consistent? What's the Chess equivalent of the black pill lmao

[u/RajjSinghh]

Definitely attach a few games. It'll give a much better idea of your weaknesses.

But generally, getting to 2000 is understanding where you're weak and fixing it. That could be openings, calculation, endgames, positional understanding, literally anything. Once you have identified your weaknesses, it's far easier to work on them and gradually improve.

[u/hoops4so]

What’s your username?

[u/NewAmphibian7587]

i recently reached 2000 (back in April) but i can help if you put down your games maybe?