Hint: It might look a lot like you.

When people talk about improving at chess, they often picture someone studying for hours, memorizing complex theory, or calculating 10 moves ahead like Magnus Carlsen. But the truth is, a chess improver doesn't fit into just one mold.

In fact, a chess improver might be a student grinding puzzles on their lunch break, or a retiree rediscovering the joy of the game after decades. It could be a parent playing blitz after the kids go to bed. It could be you—someone who simply wants to get a little better today than they were yesterday.

So, what does a real chess improver look like?

♟️ They Make Mistakes—and Learn from Them

Every blunder is a future lesson. Chess improvers aren’t afraid to lose. In fact, they lose a lot. But they ask, “Why did I lose?” Then they try again. Slowly, they start to see the same patterns—forks, pins, discovered attacks—and they stop falling for the same traps.

🔍 They Analyze, Not Just Memorize

You won’t catch them blindly copying openings. They want to understand why a move is good. Whether through tools like the Chessnut App’s “Analysis” mode, or just a pencil and paper, they review their games. One key position at a time, they build intuition.

🧠 They Think Critically—Even in Losing Positions

A chess improver doesn’t give up when they’re down a rook. They ask, “What’s the best move I can find now?” Chess teaches grit. And the improver? They fight until the end.

🚀 They Use Technology Wisely

From interactive smart boards like Chessnut Pro to platforms like Chess.com, Lichess, and Chessable, they leverage tools that make learning enjoyable. Some use voice-controlled boards, others stream their games, or challenge AI with real-time feedback. They make tech part of their training toolkit—not a distraction.

📈 They Track Progress, Not Just Rating

Improvers don’t just watch their Elo go up. They celebrate milestones: the first time they spotted a mate in 3, the first clean win against a higher-rated player, or that one tournament where everything clicked. Rating will come—but confidence comes first.

🙌 They Enjoy the Journey

Most of all, a chess improver loves the process. They geek out over opening traps, laugh at their blunders, and maybe even name their pawns (okay, maybe that’s just us). Chess isn’t a grind—it’s a game, a community, a lifelong pursuit.

So... What Does a Chess Improver Look Like?

They look like someone who keeps showing up to the board.
They look like someone who asks, “What can I learn from this?”
They look like someone who believes they can improve—with the right tools, mindset, and maybe a little help from a wooden friend named Chessnut.