Many adults love chess and want to get better. But it can be hard to know what to study, how much time to spend, or where to even start. Work, family, and other duties can also make it tough to find time.
This blog will help you build a simple, smart training routine that fits your life. You don’t need to study like a grandmaster—just study the right way for you. And if you ever need help building your plan, I’m a FIDE Master and happy to guide you.
Step 1: Know Your Goal
Before you start any training, ask yourself:
What do I want to improve?
Here are some common goals:
- Learn how to stop blundering
- Improve tactics
- Understand openings better
- Get to 1400, 1600, or 2000 rating
- Win local tournaments
Pick one main goal to start. You can change it later.
Step 2: Be Honest About Time
How much time can you give each week?
- 30 minutes a day?
- 1 hour on weekends?
- Only late nights?
Be realistic. It’s better to study 30 minutes every day than 3 hours once a week.
Here’s a simple rule:
| Level of Time | Weekly Total | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 3-5 hours | Steady growth |
| Medium | 5-8 hours | Faster progress |
| Heavy | 8-12 hours | Serious results |
Pick a level that works for you and stick to it.
Step 3: Build Your Weekly Routine
Let’s break your study into 5 key areas:
- Tactics (35%)
- Game Analysis (25%)
- Endgames (15%)
- Openings (15%)
- Play Games (10%)
1. Tactics (Daily – 15 to 30 minutes)
Tactics are the most important skill at any level.
Use sites like:
- Chess.com Puzzle Rush
- Lichess Puzzle Streak
- ChessTempo
Focus on patterns, not just solving fast. After a puzzle, ask:
Why did this tactic work?
Did I miss a better move?
2. Game Analysis (2x/week – 30 to 60 minutes)
Play a rapid or classical game (15+10 or longer). Then review it yourself before using an engine.
Look for:
- Blunders and mistakes
- Missed tactics
- Plans you had and why
Use the engine after to check ideas. Write notes. This helps your brain remember what to fix.
3. Endgames (1-2x/week – 30 minutes)
Endgames help you finish games strong. Start simple:
- King + pawn vs king
- Opposition
- Lucena and Philidor positions
Books like “Silman’s Endgame Course” are great. You don’t need to know 100 endgames—just master the basics.
4. Openings (2x/week – 30 minutes)
Don’t memorize lines. Instead, learn:
- Opening principles (control center, develop pieces, king safety)
- The first 8–12 moves of your openings
- Typical plans and ideas after the opening
Pick one opening for white and one for black. Study your own games to see what keeps going wrong.
5. Play (2-3x/week)
You must use what you study. Play longer games (15+10 or more) so you can think deeply.
Avoid bullet or blitz unless it’s just for fun.
Sample Weekly Plan (5 Hours/Week)
| Day | Task | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Tactics + Endgame Study | 45 mins |
| Tuesday | Play 1 long game + Review | 60 mins |
| Wednesday | Tactics + Openings | 45 mins |
| Thursday | Rest or light puzzles | — |
| Friday | Tactics + Endgames | 45 mins |
| Saturday | Play 1 game + Deep Game Review | 60 mins |
| Sunday | Openings + Puzzle Rush | 45 mins |
Adjust this plan to fit your own schedule. Swap days. Combine tasks. Just stay consistent.
Bonus Tips
- Track your progress in a notebook or app.
- Review your losses more than your wins.
- Don’t switch openings too often.
- Stay patient—growth takes time.
Need Help Building Your Routine?
Everyone has different strengths, weaknesses, and time limits. A personalized plan always works better.
As a FIDE Master, I can help you build a custom training plan that fits your rating, schedule, and goals. If you’re stuck or not seeing progress, feel free to reach out.
Chess improvement is not about studying more—it’s about studying smarter.
Make a plan, stay consistent, and enjoy the journey.