1d • General discussion
📉 “I’m training more… why does it feel like I’m getting worse?”
If you’ve been solving more puzzles than ever but:
* your rating is flat or down
* patterns feel less obvious
* confidence feels lower
You’re probably not regressing.
You’re likely in a consolidation dip.
What a consolidation dip is
When you increase volume or seriousness in tactics, your brain starts replacing shallow data with deeper pattern rules.
That causes:
* slower recognition (temporarily)
* more self-checking
* fewer “lucky guesses”
* worse short-term results
This phase feels bad — but it’s a necessary stage for adult improvement.
Why ratings drop during this phase
Ratings measure speed + confidence, not just knowledge.
During consolidation:
* old fast guesses stop working
* new patterns aren’t automated yet
* fatigue builds faster
So the graph goes down before it goes up.
This is normal at ~1600–2000+.
The biggest mistake people make here
They respond by:
* adding more volume
* mixing blitz / standard / mixed (chesstempo)
* grinding through fatigue
That actually extends the dip.
How to fix it (simple, effective)
For the next 10–14 days:
1️⃣ Narrow your signal
* Pause blitz & mixed
* Do standard only
2️⃣ Shorter, fresher sessions
* 40–45 minutes max
* Stop when accuracy drops
3️⃣ Lock patterns in
After each puzzle:
* replay the solution once
* name the trigger (pin, clearance, back rank, etc.)
4️⃣ Schedule recovery
Every 6–7 days:
* skip puzzles OR
* do 5–10 easy ones only
5️⃣ Rebuild confidence
Once per week:
* solve 10 easy puzzles fast
* end the session there
Confidence matters for pattern recall.
What to expect if you do this
* Days 7–10: ratings stabilize
* Weeks 2–4: sudden jump
* Games feel calmer and clearer
Most players quit right before this happens.
Key takeaway
If training feels harder but you’re still showing up,
you’re probably closer to a breakthrough than you think.
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📉 “I’m training more… why does it feel like I’m getting worse?”
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