INTRODUCTION: Using the 1/3 Method

What is the 1/3 Method of Training?

I learned about this method from improvement blogs by some very brilliant GMs like Noel Studer and Avetik. The 1/3 Method basically divides your chess training into three main areas:

• 33% Tactics / Calculation
• 33% Playing & Analyzing
• 33% Other Areas (Openings, Strategy, Endgames, etc.)

How Will I Use This Method?

I am a regular OTB (over-the-board) chess player aiming for 2000+ FIDE and some national/state titles. Here’s how I’m going to apply the 1/3 Method in my own training:

1⃣ 33% Tactics / Calculation

Resources:

• Chess Tempo (for warm-ups)
• Woodpecker Method on Chessable (927 puzzles done so far)
• Ramesh RB Calculation Book (after finishing Woodpecker)

How:
I will solve all positions on a physical board and write down solutions in a notebook.
Time Commitment:
Minimum 60 minutes per day, 7 days a week.

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2⃣ 33% Playing & Analyzing

Time Control:

• Rapid 10+5, 3 games/day
• Classical: 15+15, 6 games/weekend
• Occasionally, OTB events on weekends

Analyzing:

• Review openings and improve them
• Analyze games with stronger players or engines
• Focus on 2 openings per week for improvement

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3⃣ 33% Other Areas

Week 1: Opening – Chess Structures by Mauricio Flores Rios
Week 2: Strategy – Chess Structures
Week 3: Endgames – Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual (Rook Endgames)
Week 4: Top GM Games (2600+) – Lichess Broadcast or DGT Live Games
Psychology & Fitness:

• Daily meditation: 10–15 minutes
• Workout: 30 minutes/day, 6 days/week

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How Can I Make This Possible?

As a student, I can’t train 12 hours/day, even though I love chess. My plan:

• Weekdays: 3 hours/day
• Weekends: 10 hours/day (if I don’t miss classes)

Motivation System:

• 30-minute study block = 5 XP points
• Rewards after high XP: sweets, junk food, etc.
• Avoid distractions that pull me away from my goals

PS: WEEKLY PLAN.

I decided to make an easy-to-read to read weekly plan for myself for the September Month. Remember I have 3h/day as my commitment to chess.

WEEK 1: Study 66% Tactics 33%
Chess Structures (60m) 5 pm - 6 pm Every day.
Tactics/Calculation (60m) 5:30 am - 6:30 am Every day.
Opening: Jobava + Semi Slav (60m) Every day

WEEK 2: Playing 66% Tactics 33%
Playing 6, 3+2 games/day to practice the openings + Analysis + PGN (60m)
3, 10+5 Games/day for improvement + Analysis (60m) [Weekends 8 games of 15+15]
Tactics/Calculation (60m) Every day

WEEK 3: Study 66% Tactics 33%
Chess Structures (60m) 5 pm - 6 pm Every day.
Tactics/Calculation (60m) 5:30 am - 6:30 am Every day.
Opening: 1.d4 Mainlines + Sicilian Everyday

Week 4: Playing 66% Tactics 33%
6 games 10+5 + Analysis (2h)/day [Weekend 8 games on 15+15]
Tactics/Calculation (60m)/day

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Conclusion

Having a structured training method like this will help me improve and achieve my goals. At the end of every month, I will review my progress and adjust for the next month.
I wrote this blog to stay accountable to my training and to inspire others to grow. Following a smart training method like this is the key to breaking 2000 FIDE and eventually reaching GM.

PS: As many people pointed out and told me to avoid AI in the blogs, I've done my best, and this is 99% human-written blog by me, and 1% is just for grammar and spell checks, where I have used AI.

PPS: Sorry, due to a busy schedule, I won't be able to write this every month, but I'll try my best!
Thank you for reading.
Happy Chessing!