Welcoming a Newcomer

I would like to say thanks to Todd for joining the fun of playing competitive chess. Here's our game with some helpful hints.

Points to remember.

1. In the opening, develop, develop, develop.
2. When developing, try to bring the knights out first (helping shore up the center), then develop bishops.
3. Try not to move a piece twice early in the game (unless there's a clear attack or threat).
4. Be careful of f7 and c7 weaknesses as black, and the corresponding f2 and c2 as white, typical targets for early game tactics.

Please don't be disheartened, Todd. Use the Chess.com database to help find the best early moves, and use the analysis board to try out variations and see what can happen.

Keep playing!! Be strong!! Have fun!!