Phases in learning chess, Phase One to Three

Chess is probably the most stable, continuous, part of my life. I decided to share my experience with the game, though I never became the master I once imagined to be, there are worse players… so there is something to share.

I actually played my first game at the age of 4, that was like in 1986, when I was 9 years old I defeated my father (and only mentor ever) and didn’t lose to him again.
So at this time I was better than @MagnusCarlsen, that’s something, right?
I cannot remember not loving this game. Even though I never became as good as people at that time thought I’d be, I kept one thing: “I want to learn this game, solve this puzzle myself and find my own way.” Short of getting taught the rules of the game, I learned everything I know by playing.
Never joined a chess club (real physical one) and didn’t (used to) bother with openings. “I know better” was probably the thought. Let’s get started.

Phase One (to three)

The first and probably most important lesson in chess was to never leave a piece undefended, the theory being as long as you trade off equally chances are good the opponent is not going to win.
Playing like this will already win you a game or two, not against the strongest opponents but definitely against beginners.
Then the thought dawned on me,”when I take defended pieces, I force my opponent to take it back, thus determining their next move. And on the next move I can choose ‘freely’ again what to do.
This worked pretty well, most of the time. I started to understand the game, forcing my opponent is power, like when he is in check he must solve that.
I was a beginner, let’s not forget that.
Sometimes, with luck, my attacks forced my opponent to break up his defensive structure, but that didn’t dawn on me yet.
Many opponents in this phase of my life commented with things like “oh, you are that kind of player trading pieces!” said sulkingly, it struck me emotionally as if I wasn’t a fun opponent to play against. Though very soon I understood, a sulking even cursing opponent is a good thing, it means he cannot play his game and I am doing something right!

I think that last one qualifies as a phase of learning. Next time: breakthroughs by multitasking, Phase Four till...