I'm working in Baltimore (for a fairly extended stay) and I found out that we're staying very close to Fells Point Chess, which is apparent THE place to play around here. It was a favorite place of Alek Wojtkiewicz before he died. I'm interested in going and playing but I'm pretty intimidated.

I have very little serious study of chess under my belt and have never played a timed game with a clock, etc.

Any advice? Should I go as soon as I can or should I toil away on computer chess a bit more until I'm more comfortable? Also, does anyone here play at Fells Point Chess? I would love to go and meet up sometime for a game.

just go in there and showcase your talent. nerves only go away with experience so just get the games starting

I imagine there will be a place for you at every stage as you develop. Chess players are awfully welcoming as a rule, so you will find friendly faces.

Speed or blitz chess may predominate though, so be prepared for that.

Have fun.

If they stage long TC tournaments I say go for and take advantage of that.

It may be awhile before you feel competitive. Study hard and work hard and you'll be winning eventually.

Its the same 64 squares, no matter where you go. Just remember to hit your clock after your move, I find a lot of people forget when they first play with a clock.

this january I played my first tournament in fells point, I managed 3rd place :)

first time with a clock and everything, its no big deal. Just go up there and tell them you want to learn.

you'll find a wide range of player strengths there

Well, when you use a clock for the first time it's easy to forget to press it. You also find yourself moving slightly faster in OTB to avoid a time out. Where as on here [turn based[ you can spend as much time as you want on a move that's the major difference.

true, I forgot to press it a few times. so make sure you remember lol

Go as soon as you can.  Walk in and introduce yourself to the first person you see. Tell him/her what you're interested in - do you just want to watch others play? Do you want to play a friendly game - no clock, no pressure?Somebody will point you in the right direction.

I'm sure you'll be able to find the kind of game, or instruction you're looking for -

Yeah you can easily forget.

Just bring your excitement for chess. Your own nervousness will be the last thing on other peoples minds. Play, mingle, have fun... tis a game indeed.

One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of club players are a proud lot, and hold themselves in high esteem. If you come from the angle of a new person, who could use some guidance, most club players will be more than happy to assist you and kind of show their feathers by imparting on you their chess knowledge.

Wow, that's a pretty overwhelming vote to "just go play!"

Should I read up on anything or just show up totally "green"? I've never played with a clock, for instance.

Well, you probably want a basic set of knkowledge, e.g. when to pause the clocks (when you have a proper claim, on your time and not on your opponents), the touch-move and touch-take rules, when to offer draws (after you make your move but before you hit the clock; furthermore lower-rated players generally don't offer draws to significantly higher-rated players and players in losing (or even just clearly worse) positions shouldn't generally offer draws; if you're winning against a higher-rated guy, you might offer one, but in that case, play for a win!), you have to record your moves (and the other player's moves), you need to report your results, and you shouldn't talk, except to your opponent (or in the proper situation the Tournament Director), and only to offer draws, resign, accept or decline draw offers, or maybe tell them if they make in illegal move or something of that sort. You can say 'check' but it's generally considered rather poor ettiquette and your opponent may report you. Only a really stiff TD will penalise you the first time, but it's something to keep in mind. Furthermore, make sure that you are clear if you're resigning or offering a draw (also make sure if your opponent is doing one of these things) - state it clearly and verbally. For instance, offering your hand to your opponent is a common thing to do when resigning, but some people take it as a draw offer (probably from watching movies...).

Anyway, the biggest thing is to play chess and have fun.

Haha!  VERY good point!  Yout bet ya!  :)