How to Get Better at Chess in 2025: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Chess is more popular than ever in 2025, with millions of players striving to improve their game. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player looking to reach the next level, improving at chess requires strategy, dedication, and the right resources. In this guide, ChessMaze UK will provide you with the best methods to enhance your chess skills and climb the ranks.

Why Should You Improve at Chess?

Chess is more than just a game; it's a way to sharpen critical thinking, enhance problem-solving skills, and even reduce stress. Improving your chess abilities can:

• Increase your ability to think strategically.
• Help you perform better in competitive matches.
• Boost your confidence in making decisions under pressure.
• Make chess more enjoyable as you recognise deeper layers of strategy.
• Improve concentration and patience, skills that extend beyond the chessboard.

Now, let's explore the best ways to improve at chess in 2025.

1. Study Tactical Patterns

One of the fastest ways to improve at chess is by mastering tactics. Chess is a game of patterns, and recognising key tactical motifs can help you exploit your opponent’s mistakes. Some fundamental tactical patterns to study include:

• Forks – Attacking two or more pieces simultaneously.
• Pins – Restricting the movement of an opponent’s piece.
• Skewers – Forcing an opponent to move a valuable piece, exposing a weaker one.
• Discovered Attacks – Moving one piece to uncover an attack from another.
• Zwischenzug (Intermediate Move) – A surprising move that disrupts your opponent’s plan.

Use online chess puzzle trainers like Chess.com’s Tactics Trainer or Lichess Puzzle Rush to practice these patterns daily.

Additional Exercises:

• Try solving at least 50 tactical puzzles a day to strengthen pattern recognition.
• Set up a board and replay classic tactical combinations from famous games.
• Use flashcards to memorize different tactical motifs.

2. Analyze Your Games

One of the biggest mistakes chess players make is not reviewing their past games. Analyzing your games helps you learn from mistakes and refine your strategies. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Use Chess Engines – Tools like Stockfish or Leela Chess Zero provide in-depth analysis of your moves.
• Identify Blunders – Look for major mistakes that led to a loss of material or position.
• Find Better Alternatives – Use computer suggestions to see how you could have played better.
• Review Grandmaster Games – Compare your games with top-level games to see how masters handle similar positions.
• Work with a Coach – If possible, consult a chess coach who can offer personalized feedback on your gameplay.

Bonus Tip:

After analysing a game, try replaying it from memory and making better moves based on what you’ve learned.

3. Play Against Stronger Opponents

To improve, you need to challenge yourself. Playing against stronger opponents forces you to adapt, learn new ideas, and refine your strategy. Here’s how you can find strong opponents:

• Join a Chess Club – Local and online chess clubs provide access to skilled players.
• Compete in Tournaments – Both online and over-the-board tournaments offer competitive environments.
• Use Online Chess Platforms – Websites like Chess.com, Lichess.org, and Play Magnus allow you to play against AI or top-rated human players.
• Challenge Yourself with Time Controls – Try playing blitz (3-minute games) to improve quick decision-making, or longer time controls (30-60 minutes) to deepen strategic thinking.

Extra Challenge:

Play against a chess engine at a higher level and see how long you can hold a good position.

4. Follow Grandmaster Games and Lessons

Watching grandmaster (GM) games is one of the best ways to learn advanced strategies. Many chess grandmasters offer free or paid lessons online. Here are some valuable resources:

• YouTube Channels – Follow channels like GothamChess, Hikaru Nakamura, and Agadmator for insightful breakdowns of high-level games.
• Chess Courses – Websites like Chessable and The Chess Dojo provide structured lessons.
• Live Streams – Watch live grandmaster matches on Twitch or YouTube to see how top players think in real time.
• Chess Books – Read classic books like My System by Aron Nimzowitsch or Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess to understand deeper strategic concepts.

5. Master the Endgame

Many chess players focus too much on openings and the middlegame while neglecting the endgame. However, mastering endgames can give you a winning edge. Essential endgames to study include:

• King and Pawn Endgames – Learning opposition and key squares.
• Rook Endgames – Understanding the Lucena and Philidor positions.
• Checkmating Patterns – Mastering king and queen vs. king and king and rook vs. king checkmates.
• Endgame Studies – Solve endgame puzzles to train visualization and planning skills.

Extra Endgame Training:

• Set up random endgame positions and try to convert them into wins.
• Play simplified endgames against an engine at lower strength to improve technique.

6. Develop a Study Plan

Improving at chess requires consistency. Here’s a simple study plan to follow each week:

• Day 1-2: Solve 50 tactical puzzles.
• Day 3: Analyze three of your past games and annotate them.
• Day 4: Watch a grandmaster game and take notes.
• Day 5: Play five online games against stronger opponents.
• Day 6: Read about an endgame concept and practice it.
• Day 7: Review and refine your overall strategy. Play a slow game with deep thinking.

7. Use AI and Chess Technology

With advancements in artificial intelligence, chess technology is more powerful than ever in 2025. AI-driven tools can help you train more efficiently:

• Leela Chess Zero (LCZero) – A neural network-based engine that plays human-like chess.
• Stockfish 16 – A top-rated chess engine for deep analysis.
• AI-Assisted Training – Platforms like Chessable use AI to create personalised learning experiences.
• Drills and Interactive Lessons – Use apps like Magnus Trainer and ChessMood for structured training.

8. Stay Motivated and Keep Practicing

Improvement in chess doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedication and regular practice. Stay motivated by:

• Setting short-term and long-term chess goals.
• Joining online chess communities for support and motivation.
• Participating in fun chess challenges and events.
• Keeping a chess journal to track your progress.
• Watching motivational interviews of grandmasters who share their journey.