How to become IM strength

Hi all,

A FIDE 20xx standard rated player want to be stronger, his target is to become IM strength.

One specific weakness is calculation at deep thinking, usually at standard games.

Do you recommend any books, or 1-1 coach or what else should he do?

Please advise.

Thanks in advance.

What about becoming CM, FM first?

There‘s no shortcut. Playing, analyzing, some external input by books, videos, trainers. 10.000 hours.

He is already an FM.
I am asking about IM strength, which is 2300-ish, not the titles.

My top recommendation would be to get a coach as they can identify your friend's strengths and weaknesses and systematically improve their skill. Practically every IM/GM has had a coach, why should your friend be any different?
If they prefer self study (the inferior option in my opinion) there are plenty of advanced books that focus on developing calculation. Like R.B. Ramesh's or Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual. Or Kasparov's My Great Predecessors has lots of deep analysis for every game.

Thanks for the recommended books

• Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual.
• Kasparov's My Great Predecessors

Are they good for for those who wants to be 2100+, 2200+?

Yes, he had GM/IM coaches but after few months tried, the feedback (from the learner) were not good and I didn't see significant improvements before/after having the coaches.

I'd want to hear how to work with coaches to get the most out of them.

An FM asks a 1300 rated friend to ask on Lichess for advice to improve.

I am not a FM.

Coaching is a different story.
For example, being CR9's coach doesn't mean being better than him.

Have fun!

This is a real world: "The FM" asks his 1800 friend how he would play in a positional situation in the analysis room. OFC, it is not just about ratings.

I hope you guys understand my points.

By defeating FMs

Do Artur Yusupov's Build up your chess series first. So that you come to 1800FIDE.