(0.12)

What does this mean when reading a computer analysis of a game you played?

It means somebody or other has the advantage of one-eighth of a pawn.

Positive is advantage for white, negative is advantage for black. Measured in pawn-equivalent units, so in an otherwise equal position, after white blunders a knight the score would become -3.0 for example.You example +0.12 means a pretty even position with a very slight theoretical advantage for white.

So, if I understand you correctly, the decimals should be translated into fracions?

Another question: is it always referring to White first, then black?

Units are in terms of a pawn.  So that's 12/100 of a pawn (very small!).  In fact so small that this isn't considered an advantage, but an equal position.

Positive numbers mean it's in white's favor, negative in black's favor.

And finally, computer evaluations aren't absolute (one reason why 0.12 is still considered equal).  One simple illustration is to note that computers are able to beat other computers, even when the software and/or hardware is the same.

So, my example is good for white (minimally) the reverse of this would be (-0.12)?

I like to analyze games I lose. Is the computer analysis good to use? If not then what is a good method to analyze my losses?

Right, if the advantage was slightly in black's favour then the score would be negative (i.e. -0.12 instead of +0.12).

Yeah, it's a good method, at least as far as catching outright blunders go.  Best is to have a stronger player tell you in real language the root of the problem.  Maybe you hung a knight on move 15 to a tactic, but your opening set-up was geared for a kingside assult while in the game you wasted time on the queenside.

Any time a computer suggests a move, try to interpret why it likes that move.  If you think it's a bad move, play the moves against it you would be afraid to face and see how the computer responds.  Similarly if an alternative looks good to you but the computer doesn't suggest it, try it out, and see how the computer punishes it.

So you see it's more than looking at the number and saying "oh, that move was bad, I wont do that next time"  you have to play it out a number of moves until you can see why it was bad.

Sometimes it's bad because of a long and crazy tactical sequence you'd have never seen anyway.  In that case there's not much to learn other than be thankful you're not playing GMs who might punish you in this way heh.

!

Have have asked for input in the past and the comments have tended to be very vague: no real help. How does one get a coach or a mentor? Of course, money is an issue for me....I have none...lol

Just post one of your games on game analysis (preferably a loss).  Yes, you'll probably get some doofuses talking about the third move (like that's all that mattered in the game), but you should get a few worthy comments as well.  In particular, paulgottlieb around here is very helpful and thorough.

Best to find a club where most players will chat about the game and it's positions for free afterwards (called a post mortem).  Although you may live somewhere where there's no close club.

In that case you would be stuck with posting for help on these forums, and hope someone takes the time to give a lot of good explanations.

Maybe try challenging some frequent strong posters to an unrated CC game.  This type of person (strong player, frequent posters, accepts unrated games) would very likely be willing to talk about the game and answer questions you may have.

Andy, paulgottlieb, and Pfren come to mind.  Don't know if Elubas accepts games.  There are probably others.

Yeah, post a loss, and in the title ask for help.  Have some comments already such as moves you thought were good or bad and why.  Note positions you felt confused in.  If you appear humble and invested in the game, people will be more willing to help out.

If you post a win, be specific about the positions you were confused in, or about your blunders.  Don't mention your good moves or the fact that you won heh, the analysis forum is about asking for analysis not showing off ;)

Thanks, I have a loss in mind already. I just need to compose a few comments of my own first. Thanks for the input. I love this site!

In order to get the most benefit from coaching, analysis in words from books, etc. it is first necessary to have the right perspective.

You don't realize yet, but in order to get really good at analyzing games and positions, you will have to change the way you think about chess.

It has to do with learning 3 concepts and how they workout on the chessboard: 

1.Siege Warfare (restrain, blockade, execute the enemy)

2.Classical and Hypermodern Chess Opening Theory

3.Pawn Structure

If you would like to know more please let me know.

Do yourself a favor, OP...don't ask him. 

Joeydvivre has been kicked off this site for cheating.  I spotted him for a chess engine junkie from the beginning.  He weaseled out of every challenge to meeting me OTB for a match.

Now I am challenging you.  You know so much, let's play an over the board (OTB) officially USCF sponsored match.  Best 4 out of 7 games, regulation 40 in 2 1/2 hrs. and 20  in 1 hr. .  I am vacationing in Florida.  I will meet you for an officially sponsored match anaywhere in Florida.

Is this your official way of chickening out of a match?