Thanks for remembering to start this thread. It's always good (and depressing
) to reflect back on the prior year.
2012 Review
1) Well, my first goal for the year was to improve my visualization and calculation. This is tough to quantify, but I feel like this year was successful in that regard. I worked hard at considering more candidate moves for both sides, not shying away from tactical play when called for, and being more concrete in my calculation.
2) Second goal was to play in two major tournaments for the year, such as the National Open in Las Vegas or the World Open in Philadelphia. Well, I didn't meet this goal, I played in zero. My wife was in a wedding during the weekend of the National Open (argh, still bitter) and I just didn't get around to playing in other events. I did play in plenty of local events, though.
3) Rating goal for 2012: 2200. I didn't get close to that, highest achieved was 1988. I started the year at 1904, so really only gained 84 points for the year (at most, my current rating is 1976, so you could say 72 points, really). To be honest, I am pretty frustrated at myself for this one. I worked harder this year than I ever have before. I posted a graph below of my rating by event, and as you can see starting in about March of 2012, I've been at a rating plateau of about 1970-1980 or so. The rating bounces around above and below slightly, but always comes back to around that range. I don't know the cause for it either. I've been working hard, and actually playing better, but the results still aren't there. Nothing I can do besides keep studying and playing, but it's discouraging to put in the time and effort and not see measurable results.
2013 Goals
1) Play good moves in critical situations. This may seem obvious, but it's the lagging part of my game right now. I've noticed in my games, and been told by stronger players, that my execution of a plan is poor. I usually have the correct strategic idea of what needs to be accomplished in a given position, but carrying it out is another matter. I'll either overlook a tactic, overlook an opponent's reply, or just not find the best move for myself. The moves I'm not finding really aren't super difficult that are beyond my ability to find/understand, I'm just not playing them at the board. I have to get better at looking at all moves and ideas before playing something.
2) Play in at least two major tournaments. I didn't accomplish this last year, so it's back on the list this year.
3) Rating goal of 2200. Same as earlier. I didn't accomplish this last year, so here it is again. I really don't think this is too out of the question, either. It should be fully possible if I work and focus hard enough. I've accumulated quite a bit of experience and knowledge during this 7-8 month rating plateau, and I'm hoping a tipping point comes soon and that translates into a rating gain.
4) Have fun. This sounds dumb, but too often this year I've gotten hung up on my rating not going up and it has taken away from my enjoyment of the game. At the end of the day, chess is a hobby and it should be fun, that's why it's a hobby.
Good luck to everyone.