Hi, Joel.

I am an A-player with a problem of how to develop an effective study system for continuous improvement (at a rapid pace).

Based on some books and articles I have read and some advice from higher level players (experts, masters, etc.) they say that focusing more on tactics and endgames (and I would like to add pawn play to that list) will help you improve your game faster, while others (experts, masters, GMs) suggested that I work more on openings.

From my experience (which is very brief) I noticed that more recently that although my game has shown some improvement - (particularly against experts and sometimes against masters) - from trying to do both, I also noticed that some of my games I do not finish efficiently, lose advantages gained from the opening, or sometimes I get completely taken out of "my game" in the opening.

What would you recommend my approach be to solve that problem quickly? (I cannot dedicate all my time to chess because I have a full time job and have other career endeavors - but I still think that if I do a little each day with chess it will still add up.)

J.W.