Chess may look simple at first glance — capture your opponent’s pieces and checkmate the king — but playing well takes much more than just intuition. If you don’t know when to use the right chess strategies at the right time, it’s easy to hit a plateau where your rating stays the same, no matter how much you play.
If that sounds familiar, don’t worry. Here are six steps to help you unlearn bad habits and improve your chess skills in 2025.
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Master the rules
Whether you’re new or returning to the game, it helps to go back to the basics. Understand how every piece moves and how specific rules, like en passant or pawn promotion, work in practice. This will give you a strong foundation that helps you avoid simple mistakes and find winning opportunities.
Joining IchessU can speed this up. Playing with others reinforces your knowledge of chess strategies and rules and turns chess into a social activity you look forward to. We can make you play with more advanced opponents — it’s the fastest way to challenge yourself and grow.
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Learn how to handle the endgame
Many matches come down to a few remaining pieces on both sides. Knowing how to navigate these situations, especially how to promote pawns or create a checkmate with limited material, can often be the difference between a win and a draw.
At IchessU, your coach will help you master common endgame scenarios. The more familiar you are with these positions, the easier it becomes to finish strong when the board clears.
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Don’t obsess over openings
There’s a common belief that the first few moves determine the game. While openings are important, too much focus on memorizing dozens of variations can backfire, especially when your opponent doesn’t follow any of the expected lines.
Learning chess strategies and the principles behind strong openings can help. These guidelines — from developing your pieces to protecting your king — will keep you confident no matter what your opponent does. And once you’re confident with those basics, you can gradually expand your knowledge of specific lines that suit your playing style.
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Review your own games
One of the fastest ways to improve is by learning from your past matches. Each game teaches you something, whether it’s a different approach or a better way to think through positions with chess strategies. Take time to review what happened instead of moving on too quickly.
At IchessU, we have a chess coach who can guide your thinking and help you avoid repeating mistakes. They will help you analyze your moves and spot missed opportunities.
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Shift your mindset
Winning feels great, and losing feels like a setback. However, focusing only on results and your rating can limit your growth and make every game a source of pressure.
Instead, try focusing on your performance. A coach at IchessU will teach you to pay attention to your decisions, not just your final score. With their guidance, you can learn to treat mistakes as learning opportunities instead of failures. Moreover, they keep you motivated to learn, even when progress feels slow. This mindset not only improves your results over time but also helps you enjoy the game more.
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Keep practicing
Repetition is key to getting better at chess. The more you play, the more confident and capable you become. Use every chance you get, whether it’s playing on our platform or a physical board. Each opponent brings different strengths, forcing you to adjust your strategy and refine your game.
Make practice a regular part of your routine. Over time, these sessions build your ability to navigate tricky endgames and stay composed under pressure.
Looking for structured guidance on chess strategies? IchessU offers live online chess lessons for players at every level. You can choose between group sessions or private coaching, all led by experienced instructors who’ve worked with thousands of students worldwide.
Submit the form on the IchessU website to claim your free trial lesson, or call 1-800-342-0645 to speak with a member of the team.
