How to analyse position quickly?

I am a complete novice, and I've been trying the tactics trainer at this site. My rating started at the default of 1200, but after 6 failed tactics problems it has dropped considerably (which serves me right, since I didn't solve the problems).

My problem is that I find it very difficult to assess a completely unknown board position in a very short time (only a few seconds), and then actually make a (hopefully smart) move.

What is the best way to improve at quickly "seeing" the board position? Are there any techniques?

Given enough time I am able to play much better (I said better, not good), but I often make blunders, so I guess I just have to play more...

I think you may have just answered your own question. I've only recently started playing chess after a thoughtful relative bought me Chessmaster, a rather good computer program to learn from. I started out winning with ease but before to long I kept getting beaten rather easily by the computer. Then I had bit of a look into the learning options and found a heap of training drills that really help you see a lot more of the board.

hi,

On tactics trainer there are few things i quickly look for:

1) are there any pieces hanging? i.e not protected by another piece

2) are there any valuable pieces only protected by one piece or inline with one of my pieces? ie Queen inline with my bishop or rook, or, perhaps a queen only defended by a knight, if i can remove the knight i can freely take the queen.

3) What is the position of the king? ie can I get my pieces to checkmate it? if so what do I need to sacrifice? (most of the time on tactics trainer a sac is required to remove a piece or clear the way for another, or to check the king and force it to take to piece.)

I briefly look at these three ideas and more often than not its one of them, deciding which one is the correct path to follow can sometimes be hard, but the more you practise the faster you will recognise the position.

Just don't give up and don't worry about your rating it will go up and down alot, I've had mine ranging from 1000 up to the 1900's. Some days are better than others. Every time i get one wrong though i make sure i look at the solution and figure out what i did wrong.

hope this helps a little

Thanks for your input!