Ask Coach Jessica: How to Get Your Rating Over 1000 in One Simple Step

So, you are rated 500 but you should really be 800. Or even 900. Or really over a 1000 if you think about your strengths. So why aren't you? I mean, yes, it's just a matter of time before you ARE rated over 1000, but why aren't you there NOW? HedgehogProdigy would like to know what questions to ask before each move during a tournament game. And I have just the answers!  By, Mrs Jessica E Prescott (aka BoundingOwl).

I am pretty certain that you only need to know how to do one thing well to get over 1000. You want to know what it is? All you do is ask yourself, "Is it hanging or protected?" before every single move! I have written this on thousands and thousands of notations sheets. If you always capture truly hanging pieces and never hang your own pieces, you're on your way to 1200, easy!!

Tommy is rated 646. At the Grade Championships in Charlotte last Saturday, he tried the four move mate and got his queen trapped. But Tommy ended up winning after his opponent straight up hung his queen back! Can you find White's best move here? 

Another question you should be asking, is, "How can I get my pieces to optimal squares?" Pieces always like to work together and have options on the board.  Is anyone not doing a job?

 

A third question is, "Do I have any weaknesses? Does my opponent?" A weakness could be a loose or hanging piece, or a hole or weak back rank positionally. Your opponent's weaknesses are your targets. Your own weaknesses must be strengthened!

And finally, "Is it hanging or protected?" Oh, I asked that already? Good. Then finally, immediately after your partner makes a move, ask, "What's the threat?" Because probably they are trying to get you somehow, just as you are trying to get them...

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