See all of my Year of Study posts

Introduction

As an adult chess improver, I’ve often wondered what it would be like to approach chess improvement with the same structure and focus as a formal curriculum. Inspired by Noel from NextLevelChess and his thoughtful discussions about how players study, I decided to embark on a year-long journey of deliberate chess study. Over the next 52 weeks, I’ll be following a carefully crafted study plan and sharing my experiences here on the blog.

The idea is simple but ambitious: start with the basics and build a solid foundation, then progressively tackle more challenging aspects of the game. To keep it focused, I’ve divided the year into four quarters:

  • Foundations – Mastering tactics, honing calculation skills, and reinforcing key patterns.

  • Positional Play – Developing a deeper understanding of imbalances, pawn structures, and strategic plans.

  • Middlegame & Endgame – Studying the transition from opening to middlegame and sharpening endgame precision.

  • Psychological Aspects & Competitive Play – Learning how to handle tournament pressure, develop resilience, and perform under real-game conditions.

This blog will serve as my accountability partner, as well as a resource for anyone who might be interested in crafting their own structured study plan. Whether you’re curious about what works, what doesn’t, or just want to follow along, I invite you to join me on this journey.

Weekly Plans