🎯 How Our Students Gained Over 1,000 Rating Points Online Using the “7-Game Method”

Over the past two months, four of our students — have made remarkable strides in their online chess performance. Each of them has gained between 200 to 300 rating points, bringing their combined progress to over 1,000 points.

What’s behind this growth?

We’ve been consistently applying a powerful training strategy that I call the “7-Game Method.” And in this article, I’m going to share exactly how it works — and why you should try it too.

Why Most Online Players Don’t Improve

Online chess is easily accessible — and that’s both a strength and a weakness.

Many players log on and play a random number of games: one day it's 3 games, the next it's 50. Without structure, focus fades and improvement stagnates. Tilt sets in. Players chase quick wins or spiral into frustration after a couple of losses.

But when we introduced the 7-Game Method, everything changed.

What Is the 7-Game Method?

It’s simple: before starting a training session, commit to playing exactly 7 games.

Why 7? Because in South Africa, most over-the-board chess tournaments have 7 rounds. This method simulates the mental rhythm and structure of a real tournament. Each session becomes a dress rehearsal — helping our players develop consistency, concentration, and emotional control.

Whether the games are blitz or rapid, the principle remains the same: train like you play.

Why This Works

• 🧠 Predefined limits build focusWhen players know they’re committing to a set number of games, they bring their full attention to each one. There’s no autopilot or endless grinding.

• 💪 It builds resilienceLosing your first two games doesn’t mean ending the session. Just like a real tournament, you learn to recover, fight back, and make the best of the remaining rounds.

• 🕐 It encourages time disciplineRapid games? Play 4–5. Blitz? Stick with 7. The goal is to keep sessions within 1–2 hours and always play with intention.

  
  

Bonus Tip: Take a Break!

If you feel up for more games after a session, that’s great — but make sure to take at least a 15-minute break. Walk around, review a game, breathe. Treat each session as a standalone tournament. This mental reset keeps your energy high and your brain sharp.

Reward Progress

Here’s the game-changer.

When one of our players scores 5.5 or more out of 7, we celebrate it. Whether it’s a small treat, a mention in the group, or something meaningful to the player — we reward the effort.

This builds a positive loop. The brain starts associating focused play and disciplined sessions with pleasurable outcomes. It’s how motivation sticks — and how habits form.

One Last Ritual: Center Yourself

Before each session, I encourage my students to take 2 minutes of silence. Close your eyes. Focus on your goals. Visualize your best self at the board. It might sound simple, but this pre-session routine sets the tone for quality play.

Try It. Share It.

The “7-Game Method” is now a regular part of our training — and the results speak for themselves. Our students have shown that with structure, discipline, and a few mental tricks, growth is not just possible — it’s inevitable.

Now it’s your turn.

Try it. Stick with it. And when it works, share it with someone else who’s ready to level up their game.

Coach Reuben Salimu

Head Coach, African Chess Lounge