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Cathleen R posted an update
I think I suck at chess. I finally made it above 400 and then I’m back to 300’s. I can’t seem to get it. I do an opening and do well and then it falls apart. Very discouraged tonight. 🙁
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I think I just need to play bots and then it won’t affect my rating. They just play so weird….
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I’m not that much further on than you Cathleen, but keep on going. Although we make mistakes and end up losing, we are still learning….
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Hi Cathleen, thank you for your message! I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling frustrated with your playing right now.
What you’re experiencing is completely normal. Every chess player, from absolute beginners to grandmasters, go through stretches where it feels like nothing is clicking. This is part of the learning curve. Blunders, mistakes, and frustrating games are not signs of failure; they’re signs that you’re actively challenging yourself and pushing your limits, and that’s where growth happens.
Progress in chess is often invisible at first, it builds slowly under the surface through repetition, reflection, and resilience. Then, things will start to “click” and you’ll find yourself recognizing patterns and making decisions that used to feel overwhelming.
Keep showing up, review your games when you can, and learn from each mistake without letting it define you – you’ve got this! 😊
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Thanks for the encouragement you guys. I did finally win a few games in a row putting me at 377. I really need to slow down but I get worried I’m going to lose on time. I see others play (in videos) and they take a lot of time sometimes in the beginning and then play pretty quickly in the end game. Anyway, I will keep trying. This game is a challenge and I find it very intriguing. I did turn off all comments though in chess.com. Some people are so rude and mean.
Thanks! I’m a work in progress!
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@cathleenrackleygmail-com I was playing 10 minute games after watching Nelson as he seems to have all the time in the world. I find I am getting better results now playing 30 min games
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I might have to give that a try. Do you have as many random players that play that? I might be easier for me too. I’m at 423 and now I’m paranoid to play!! Thanks, Tom!
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@cathleenrackleygmail-com My suggestion is not to focus on rating like it’s some retirement plan you don’t want to lose. Think of it as, “I will always be paired with players around the world similar to my skill, so it will be fun”. Then just focus on the learning. You may be putting too much pressure on yourself. At your level it’s all about blunder checks (or too short of time control).
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That makes sense, Tim. I have to give credit that I am learning. I used to linger around the 250 mark and am now lingering around the 390 to 420 range. I’ve only been playing for a year. I’m 62 years old and I want my brain to remember everything. I wish I had really been into chess when I was younger and my brain was able to retain more, haha. Anyway, I love the game and will continue forward. Thanks for the encouragement!
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