So you guys will laugh...

[linkgoron]

Well, I always wanted to be good at chess, so I started playing on Yahoo (yes I know it's probably full of noobs like me). So I was wondering if you guys could help me find good chess tutorials and stuff, and maybe some tips or something...

EDIT: I can beat some of the really weak guys, but usually players that are decent own me.

 

[JoeFahey]

Good choice...it's a great game

 

[D1gger]

Originally posted by: JoeFahey1
Good choice...it's a great sport!

Please don't call it a sport. It is a great game or passtime, it is not a sport ... and don't get me started about trying to get it into the Olympics.

 

[UlricT]

Originally posted by: JoeFahey1
Good choice...it's a great sport!

game? yes
sport? no

 

[JoeFahey]

Originally posted by: UlricT

Originally posted by: JoeFahey1
Good choice...it's a great sport!

game? yes
sport? no

Oops, sorry, I wasn't thinking straight. And I agree with you. In fact, I made a topic on this awhile ago.

 

[stan394]

Originally posted by: linkgoron
Well, I always wanted to be good at chess, so I started playing on Yahoo (yes I know it's probably full of noobs like me). So I was wondering if you guys could help me find good chess tutorials and stuff, and maybe some tips or something...

EDIT: I can beat some of the really weak guys, but usually players that are decent own me.

maybe those people are using a chess program, so you might be just playing with a computer

 

[JoeFahey]

Find a place where they might have some sort of a "chess club". There's one in my town. Look around. You will get very good if you attend one often.

 

[linkgoron]

The closest chess club is probably an hour away, and I don't have a car.

 

[pontifex]

just keep playing and learn
thats usually the best way to get good at something.
watch what other people do.

 

[Vinfinite]

yeah the best way to learn is from playing people that are actually at a higher level than you, then you could at least see what you're doing wrong, and what they're doing right. Chess is a great game, good luck

 

[linkgoron]

I don't know, should i keep the moves list thingies?
And I suck at observing

 

[ManyBeers]

This is some free chess engine software for youArena

 

[Vinfinite]

Originally posted by: linkgoron
I don't know, should i keep the moves list thingies?
And I suck at observing

most pros keep move lists in order to evaluate their performance and what not after a game, I don't really recommend keeping this until you're getting pretty good. Otherwise its pretty useless, experience is all you really need right now

 

[linkgoron]

I don't know, no matter how hard I try, i always feel I'm missing something...

 

[olds]

<--- Not laughing

 

[CrimsonChaos]

Nothing wrong with enjoying chess.

I agree the easiest way to learn is to have a good teacher. If this isn't feasible, then the second best way is through experience (play games) combined with research (read books).

What you're probably missing is what "chess theory" has to offer. Do yourself a favor and don't just memorize book openings or positions. Instead learn what strengths and weaknesses various openings and positions have to offer. Try to create your own openings, then get on a chess computer program and see if it's been done before.

From here you can begin learning all of the intricacies of chess theory. Most of it deals with recognizing abstract positional advantages and weaknesses, as well as advanced tactics and strategy.

Also, do NOT play speed chess when you're first learning. Save that for a time when you have a better grasp of the game.

 

[linkgoron]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
<--- Not laughing

LOL, I put that in the title because most people would laugh if I told them I want to get better at chess.

 

[Yossarian]

there's nothing wrong with wanting to be a better chess player. personally I think it's more worthwhile to become a better poker player. at least you earn money as you get better.

 

[PHiuR]

at least you don't want to become better at say..posting on atot.

 

[computeerrgghh]

Tips on Getting Better
1. Practice and play often
2. Get a book on tactics and do tactics problems. You can find many at Barnes and Nobles online or at the store
This is one that I would recommend.
3. Practice often.
4. Once you improve tactically, start learning a couple of opening moves.
This website is a good place to start learning openings/ looking at games. Eventually, if you are serious, you will probably want to buy books on openings.
5. Play often and don't get discouraged.
6. Observe high rated games. When you look at games, think about plans and strategies (not just 1 or 2 moves in advance, try 4-5 minimum).
If you need more advice or help feel free to PM me. I have beat Grandmasters and International Masters before. I can reccomend some more books if you want.

 

[linkgoron]

Originally posted by: Yossarian
there's nothing wrong with wanting to be a better chess player. personally I think it's more worthwhile to become a better poker player. at least you earn money as you get better.

I'll probably get a job that I like. (I hope)

 

[linkgoron]

Originally posted by: computeerrgghh
Tips on Getting Better
1. Practice and play often
2. Get a book on tactics and do tactics problems. You can find many at Barnes and Nobles online or at the store
This is one that I would recommend.
3. Practice often.
4. Once you improve tactically, start learning a couple of opening moves.
This website is a good place to start learning openings/ looking at games. Eventually, if you are serious, you will probably want to buy books on openings.
5. Play often and don't get discouraged.
6. Observe high rated games. When you look at games, think about plans and strategies (not just 1 or 2 moves in advance, try 4-5 minimum).
If you need more advice or help feel free to PM me. I have beat Grandmasters and International Masters before. I can reccomend some more books if you want.

Well, I'm not from the US, but I'll look around. maybe I'll find some books.

 

[manlymatt83]

Chess is awesome, I forget easily how to play though...

 

[IGBT]

Originally posted by: D1gger

Originally posted by: JoeFahey1
Good choice...it's a great sport!

Please don't call it a sport. It is a great game or passtime, it is not a sport ... and don't get me started about trying to get it into the Olympics.

..we could make the chess pieces 500 lb each!!

 

[computeerrgghh]

Originally posted by: linkgoron

Originally posted by: computeerrgghh
Tips on Getting Better
1. Practice and play often
2. Get a book on tactics and do tactics problems. You can find many at Barnes and Nobles online or at the store
This is one that I would recommend.
3. Practice often.
4. Once you improve tactically, start learning a couple of opening moves.
This website is a good place to start learning openings/ looking at games. Eventually, if you are serious, you will probably want to buy books on openings.
5. Play often and don't get discouraged.
6. Observe high rated games. When you look at games, think about plans and strategies (not just 1 or 2 moves in advance, try 4-5 minimum).
If you need more advice or help feel free to PM me. I have beat Grandmasters and International Masters before. I can reccomend some more books if you want.

Well, I'm not from the US, but I'll look around. maybe I'll find some books.

Yeah. In the beginning levels, tactics are the most important strategies to learn. Once you have that solid foundation, you can beat a good % of players right of the bat.