Chess is considered by many to be one of the ultimate tests of intelligence and skill. It takes clever planning and a large amount of strategy to do well in this game. One not only needs to have a thorough understanding of the pieces and how they work, but they have to be familiar and comfortable enough in the game to relax enough to think through all of their potential moves. Understanding the opponent is another huge factor into how a chess game will run. Knowing your opponent's skill level as well as the types of moves they favor and are likely to make will go a long way in playing a strong chess game.
Firstly, you will only grow better at chess by playing it and playing it often. The more you play chess, the more you will understand the relationships between the pieces and the better you will be able to manipulate them into performing some brilliant moves. Playing often, especially with a variety of opponents, will teach you a number of different approaches to the game. You will begin to be able to learn your opponents, how they think, and be able to identify moves which they might be planning based on the moves that they are making. Being able to see into the future with chess is one of the strongest qualities that any player can have because, when you know what your opponent is planning to do, you can build a strategy around that and combat them effectively.
Reading more about chess in your spare time can also go a long way into preparing you to play a strong game. There are a number of books available which focus on every aspect of the game. You can learn how to play a strong opening, setting yourself up to dominate the board. You could read a book solely about the endgame, learning how to best use all of the pieces remaining so that you can earn yourself a checkmate. There are pieces which focus only of specialized and famous moves that have been performed in different games, each with their own name and history.
Websites can also give you a lot of practice in building up your chess strategy. There are many sites available which show you a new chess move of the day as well as providing you with a chess problem to solve. These problems will give you an example of a chessboard and all of the pieces on it, telling you that a checkmate or a capture of a certain piece is possible within a set number of moves. It is then your goal to try and figure out what those moves are to solve that problem.
Chess is a difficult game, yes, but one that can be learned. Being a strong chess player can be a great advantage, both because it is impressive but also because it can help you to begin to look at the world in a new way. It will give you a new perspective on solving problems and this, in the end, can be invaluable.
