Still under 1600

Hi all. Sorry I haven't posted in a loooooong while. As the title states I am still under 1600 even though I was predicting to pass that point last October. I'm leaving the old deadline up there so I can see how off I was.

Even though I haven't seen much progress in my rating I am pleased with my new level of comfort while playing. I'm trying to break the habit of taking too long to choose a move and I'm steadily improving in that area. An A-Class player told me it is due to my lack of experience.

I'm still working on "Art of the Checkmate". Slowly getting through it. My priority is playing games right now, then doing tactics, and finally, if I have time left over, reading books.

The rating system in ICC sucks. It's a good tool but the system needs serious revision. My main gripe with the rating system is that a person's rating could be anywhere from G15 to infinity. So, if my rating is primarily based on G30 30 then there may be a mismatch if I play someone, at the same rating, whose rating is primarily based on G15. Anyway, it's a minor point and doesn't diminish the fun of playing on ICC.

I've been playing much more aggressively lately. I like tactically rich games and point my games in that direction at the first opportunity. I've gotten into trouble doing this but I feel this is good for my development at this point in my games. Time will tell.

I do wish my tactics eye was faster. The more I play the more I agree with Tempos' approach to chess. My strength has always been my patience so my battle is to make sure I don't get lazy.

Hope everyone else is doing good.