No doubt - I will keep hitting the tactics books.  But the added practice of spotting tactical opportunities over the board has really been beneficial. I know that's what all of you have been saying, but some of us were desperately hoping for a shortcut.  Actually, after reading "Talent is Overrated" (mentioned in another thread) I really believe that hard, carefully planned work (termed "directed practice" in the book) is the most efficient way to significant improvement.  And the most common recommendation I have heard is to play the open games.

Thanks again,
Scott

Hi everyone,

Many of you have helped me with suggestions and encouragement in continuing to play the open games as Black, and I'm finally seeing the payoff.  I was one who often thought that it would be simpler to play something like the French (which I love) than to learn all the chaos of the open games.  However, so many talented players stress the importance of the open games.  So, I grudgingly began to play 1...e5 a year or so ago.  I suffered some terrible losses to lower rated players, and I often went scurrying back to the comfort of the French, at least for shorter online games.  Interestingly, the only line that gave me significant trouble against the French was the exchange.  It was too open!

Over the last six months or so I have been playing nothing but 1...e5 in both blitz and longer games, and I've seen some slow improvement.  I no longer get caught in early traps, and I seem to get out of the opening with at least a playable position.  For the last few weeks I've been throwing out the French in blitz again, and I'm suddenly destroying people in the exchange!  The added work in the open games left me salivating for an exchange variation when I can take over the initiative and 'punish' White.  Suddenly, the blocked center of the French advance became annoying.  I wanted the space of 1...e5!

I guess I have seen the light...

Thanks,
Scott