How to improve at chess at 1600–1800
Class B · Class B (1600–1799)
How do I improve at chess from 1600 to 1800?
Strong club player. Losses come from misjudged positions, missed defensive resources and endgame inaccuracy. Spend most of your training on strategy (25%), calculation (20%), endgames (20%). 1–2 long games a week, regular tournaments, occasional training matches.
Where to spend your training time
| Strategy | 25% | |
| Calculation | 20% | |
| Endgames | 20% | |
| Tactics | 10% | |
| Openings | 10% | |
| Game analysis | 15% |
A training session
- 15 min: Calculation: complex positions, write the lines
- 25 min: Strategic theme with annotated model games
- 10 min: Endgame study
- 10 min: Game review / opening check
- 0 min: Homework: annotated game, puzzles, endgames
How much to play
1–2 long games a week, regular tournaments, occasional training matches.
How to review your games
Full annotation with variations; identify the critical moment and the thinking error behind it.
Most common mistakes at 1600–1800
- Overestimating attacks
- Missing opponent’s resources
- Imprecise rook endgames
- Opening knowledge without understanding
Coach’s tips
- Train defence: positions where the student must hold
- Introduce prophylactic thinking
- Start opponent preparation for tournaments
Openings to play
With White: Main lines with understanding of the middlegame plans. With Black: Complete repertoire vs 1.e4, 1.d4 and flank openings. Annotated model games for each opening.
Ready for the next level?
Move on when you hold about 1800 over the board, solve 60% of puzzles at this level, average no more than 0.8 blunders a game and have done 70% of the lessons.
Puzzles for your level
Chess puzzles for 1600–1800 players