If you’ve reached a 900 rating in chess, congratulations! That means you’ve passed the very beginner stage and are starting to understand how the game works. Most new players start at around 800 when they join online chess platforms—and many even drop below that. So hitting 900 is a real sign of progress.
At this level, you might already be better than your friends or win a few games in local tournaments. But if you want to keep improving, it’s time to build some stronger habits.
The good news? You don’t need to memorize deep openings or study complex endgames yet. With consistent practice and a few smart adjustments, you can quickly jump to the next level.
How to Improve from 900 to 1200 in Chess
At this point, your biggest improvements will come from:
- Playing regularly
- Solving tactical puzzles
- Avoiding common mistakes
- Developing solid opening habits
There’s no need to dive deep into theory or game analysis yet. Focus on building your board vision and learning the basic patterns of the game. That alone can get you to 1200 and beyond.
6 Practical Tips to Level Up from 900
1. Be Brave, But Keep Your King Safe
Don’t play too passively. If a move feels right, go for it! Being bold builds confidence—and the worst-case scenario is that you learn from your mistake.
That said, don’t forget your king’s safety. A good attack typically needs at least two of your pieces working together. If your opponent’s king is defended, you may need three.
2. Always Have a Plan
Even a bad plan is better than no plan. Avoid random moves — every piece should have a job. Ask yourself: What am I trying to do with this move?
3. Solve Tactics and Puzzles Every Day
Tactics are the best way to train your brain to spot winning patterns. There are 24 common tactics in chess — like forks, pins, skewers, and more.
4. Develop Your Pieces Quickly (and Only Once)
In the opening, aim to:
- Get your knights and bishops out early
- Control the center
- Avoid moving the same piece twice (unless you see a big opportunity or threat)
Try a simple, solid opening like the Scotch Game:
5. Castle Early
Castling keeps your king safe and brings your rook into action. Try to do it within your first 5–10 moves in most of the games.
6. Keep Your Pieces Safe and Connected
Don’t leave pieces hanging. Make sure every piece is protected or traded wisely. Keeping them connected builds strong positions and avoids blunders.
Is a 900 Chess Rating Good?
It depends on your goals:
- If you play casually with friends and family: Yes, 900 is solid.
- If you want to compete and win in local tournaments: Aim for 1500+, even in amateur events.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Practice Smart
Improving from 900 to 1200 doesn’t require deep study—it just takes smart practice and consistency. Focus on:
- Playing daily or a few times a week
- Solving puzzles
- Following the 6 rules above
Once you reach 1200–1500, you can start adding more advanced study like game analysis and opening prep. But for now, this foundation is more than enough.
Bonus Resources:
Top Chess YouTubers to Follow:
Learn in a fun, engaging way from chess content creators like GothamChess, Samay Raina, and Naroditsky. You don’t need to be a grandmaster to enjoy or benefit from their videos!
Best Chess Sets Under $50
A physical board helps improve your vision and comfort with real play. Great sets are available under $50.