So I’ve gotten bored playing the London and the Sicilian. I’m looking for some recommendations on a few new openings to spend some time on.
I am currently around 1600 on Lichess after 400 games and starting at 1200 . I know I should not focus much on openings, but after learning the above 2 pretty well, I found myself usually in good positions going into the middle game and often winning, since blunders are more common in my rating range. So with that said, I do want to spend some time learning a few new openings. I have lots of car time, so I enjoy watching YouTube videos. I will be doing all the other recommended things to get better, but still wanting some opening advice.
So now, what are some ideas?
My preference is to play more attacking and tactically oriented positions. I prefer not to be in gridlocked positional positions with all the pawns on the board.
As a chess coach, I've noticed a pattern in the mistakes my students make. So I summarized 5 of the most important chess principles (in no particular order) that if mastered, you can see huge improvements in your play.
Bishops like active diagonals, knights like outposts, rooks like open files, pawns only determine space. Make your own pieces effective while at the same time, restricting your opponent's.
In a given position (sharp positions especially), candidate moves should be considered in this order: Forcing moves, checks, threats, any other move.
Pawns can't move backwards, so every pawn move leads to a square(s) that are now permanently weaker.
Only trade pieces if the exchange clearly benefits you in some way or you have an immediate follow-up. Otherwise, keep the tension.
If you have a strong attack, there's no rush. Your opponent often can do nothing but suffer. So bring the rest of your army into the game and then initiate the attack.
and more..
