“7 Key Lessons Learned on the Journey to Reaching 2000 in 2 Years”

Chess player Kamryn Hellman shares her journey to reaching a Rapid rating of 2000 on Chess.com in just two years. In a guest post, she reveals the 7 key lessons she learned along the way that helped her achieve this impressive milestone.

Hellman’s story began in early 2021 during the height of The Queen’s Gambit chess boom. She taught herself how to play the game from scratch, watched numerous videos to learn the fundamentals, and started practicing online. Her determination to improve led to an intense daily study routine that included puzzles, games, analysis, books, and videos.

Less than two years after learning how to play, Hellman reached a Rapid rating of 2000 on Chess.com in February 2023. In her post, she shares valuable insights from her journey, including the importance of playing games and analyzing them, learning to deal with losing, studying openings effectively, drilling tactics, staying focused, taking breaks, and setting the right goals.

Hellman emphasizes the psychological aspect of chess and the need for focus throughout the game. She also highlights the importance of analyzing lost games to identify patterns and areas for improvement. Additionally, she stresses the value of setting realistic yet challenging goals to drive progress and motivation.

For those looking to improve their chess skills, Hellman offers her Chessable course, “50 Essential Chess Concepts: An Improver’s Blueprint,” as a motivating roadmap for success. Her story serves as inspiration for aspiring chess players and underscores the importance of dedication, perseverance, and continuous learning in the pursuit of excellence in the game.