Welcome to the greatest chess site on the 'net!
First off, anything training wise go under the "Learn" tab up top and you'll be able to study book openings, explore master games, check out articles and a ton of other stuff. To get even fuller access, you'll need to upgrade to a premium (paying) membership. There are three levels with Diamond being the highest, which allows you total access to this site.
Then check out the "Read" tab for articles, Master-written columns and lots of other good things. This site has it all and once you feel comfortable, jump on in to Live Chess or Online Chess under the "Play" tab and get rocking! Also, Chess.com has just put out a series of beginner training regimens and study guides for people that are new and are beginnaers at chess. Go to this profile here and read the articles that start with "Study Plan for Beginners" or check out the related blog here.
That'll keep ya busy for a while
Welcome aboard!
-Mark
I was looking for a section concerning new people to the forum without luck. Hopefully this will suffice. I'm 29, M from Baltimore who just started playing on this website. I have played off and on for years. Never had any training other than read some books. I'm currently in my first ever online tournament. Quite a bit of fun! I'm looking for input from members about things I can and should check out around the website. Any general info or things I should try to become a part of would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Gary