Like you, I was on a high school team, better than most of my competition, but not really very good. I played in a few USCF tournaments in the early 70s--not enough to get a rating, provisionally rated in the low 1500s. Had no real outlets to play after high school, but had fondness for the game. I've been playing some with my Scouts in recent years, counseling their merit badge, but that's the extent of it.

The only advice I could share is to do what I've been doing recently (when time permits) is to study the games of great players, and learn what they do, and why they do it. From doing that, even though I haven't played actively in many years, I think I ight be a better player now than I was back in the days. My 2cts.

Last edited Tue Jan 13, 2026, 08:08 PM - Edit history (1)

Castle early, castle often.

I hope you get as much enjoyment from it as I have - it’s an endlessly fascinating game with more possible game variations than there are atoms in the observable universe.

I have an app on my iPad called “Chess Tiger” that’s really helped me improve my game. Here are a few chess channels that I enjoy and always learn from:

https://youtube.com/@coffeechess?si=UaiUYxc4Wa4GMGmh

https://youtube.com/@annacramling?si=93gNbdU16Pysr62z

one lost pawn and its chaos

start sacrifice-trading equivalent pieces to simplify the board.

Trade a knight for a knight or bishop. Rook for rook. Queen for queen. King for king.

A simple board is an easily won board.

I've heard the exception is pawns. Keep as many pawns as possible. This will keep your opponent chasing pawns while you clean up.

I haven't played a game in 30 years.

depending on how well you know your opponent and their level of integrity, they could be using an online chess simulator to get out of difficult positions.

Sadly, some people are prone to cheating, and it's easy to do these days.