I agree very much with #2, just start playing rated games. You will then find out about where you stand, your rating. Then, just set your challenge game range of ratings around that, a little higher or a little lower depending on what you want.
I also agree, don't try to rush. Most players want to play much faster than me. So. I just set my time to what I want (20 +/- min + increment) and only select games with similar time settings.
Thanks all for all of your replies! I've had a few folks reach out to me and I feel that the kindness and support really helps makes this a great community for newbies like me. =)
If anyone is in a mentoring/teaching kind of mood at any point and would like to share some chess tips over a friendly game, please let me know...always looking for additional guidance!
John bartholomew is the man to watch to learn. he is great. But the best way to learn is to play 100s of games
I'd be happy to give out some tips.
Firstly, don't stalemate your opponent when you are three pieces and a pawn up:
en.lichess.org/9fzMapXP/black#114;-)
Secondly, learn king & pawn endgames so you don't stalemate your opponent in a winning endgame.
en.lichess.org/QsXLOTTG#122;-))
It's very strange...the mistakes in those games are pretty clear when analyzing them afterwards, but for some reason when playing, I sometimes have a different "vision" of the board and don't see as clearly. I don't know if it is the stress of the game, or the timer, or just that when playing I get a bit more tunnel vision than when watching another's games or playing through the game afterwards.
I've been trying to retain much of what I have learned watching videos and doing tactics with regards to opening and endgame theory, but there is so much to remember. I think I need some kind of iterative/repetitive learning method for the ideas to really stick with me. My memory has never been great, so it's a definite handicap.
I'm a 1400 player, but only play with 1600+ players. For every won game I lose 15-20 in a row. I don't think I'm getting better though. Most of the time I'm in defense mode (my record shows how well that goes) or in situations when I have no idea what to do. As in can't think of any move that wouldn't cause harm. Most of the time just wish there was a "skip move" button.
I think I should be playing equal players that would give me a chance to develop some attack skills instead of getting a new one torn every 5 minutes.
But I'm a masochist so I continue...
In reality
@BlundersEveryGame : You should be fair to everyone including yourself and play everyone with provision of a low rating 200 below you. The idea to play 200 above you is good, but it doesn't really do that much better to subject yourself to constant play like that unless of course you analyse every game, and you eventually become a 1600 player in a short period of time. Then of course you up it. But then the problem becomes, and I know this is probably a purist attitude but, why should 200+ play you to help you improve if you never play 200- to help them improve?
@error_state I might suggest using the new study tool to it's max effect. You can even load your games in as case study and invite people you know interested in helping people. Mastering the art of analysis is how you improve the fastest. And spending at least half the time you play with analysis of your games and master games is always among the best time spent.
I only play rated sometimes. When I am not drunk and when I dont have 10 people at my shoulder. Let me know Ill play casually and go over the games with you move by move in a study.
@error_state