Hi Overner. I'm also a Brit. If you message me we can play some friendlies. I may be able to point out a few basics. If you are new to chess the chances are you lose material by leaving pieces and pawns undefended. I recommend John Batholomews chess fundamentals series on youtube. There are 5 programs in total. The first focuses on undefended pieces. It will help get you thinking about this.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BEGINNERS
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As Ben says, the computer doesn't play realistic chess. My experience is that it is strong in the opening but then blunders in the middle game, ignoring pieces placed en prise for example. Generally, people are more consistent across all aspects of play.
Jul 8, 2020
0
#24
Yes, computers don't teach you to play well against people. Part of it is that there's no psychology, which is certainly a factor in play. When you play against a human, you can tell if they're rushing or if they're being too safe and conservative, or if they're prone to sudden, rash recaptures, for example, and you can learn to play against those characteristics, adjusting your own game accordingly.
Computers simply make the best move they find according to the level of depth they're set to. It's just not realistic.
The only way in which playing computers does make sense, I'd say, is at the top level, where one master is preparing to play against another master, knowing that both have done insane levels of analysis with the help of computers. That ain't us, so don't bother. You'll learn far more playing against other humans around your own level.
Thank you benhunt72 and MarkGrubb. I will definitely be looking at the recommendations which you have made. Mark, I will message you tomorrow, hopefully we can arrange a time to play.
Great. I mainly play Daily chess if that is ok as I have family with young children and work full time, so dont have to make time, just might be drawn out over several days.
Jul 8, 2020
0
#27
@Overner, I've sent you a friend request as well. We may be able to play together and I'm happy to coach you through some games if you like.
Overner wrote:
I'm a beginner, albeit an old beginner. I found this website during the lockdown (in England). I became addicted. I played against the computer at levels 1, 2 and 3 until I had won 4-5 games at each level before progressing to the next. I reached level 4, 30 games later no wins, I lost anywhere between 15 -65 moves, that is moves in total, not just mine. I was excited by learning enough to progress to level 4 but now I'm despondent, have I really reached my limit?.
I don't know what it is that I'm so obviously doing wrong all the time, why I can't learn and progress as I was doing. There's a lot of stuff on this site and I don't know where is the best place to ask for help. Any advice (except give up) would be most welcome.
Cann i see your games?
lavared17 wrote:
Magnus Carlsen tried scholars mate once.
Hey, I love that chess channel. Agadmator is amazing.
Agadmator is that one channel you waste all your time on even when you are not the best. That just shows how good it is.
Tharuka123456 wrote:
When you are playing 10sec bullet anyone could fall for the scholars mate (special,y me )
I disagree. No good player falls for the scholars mate, no matter what.
lavared17 wrote:
Agadmator is that one channel you waste all your time on even when you are not the best. That just shows how good it is.
Since I began watching his channel, my chess has improved a lot.
daFoxy wrote:
lavared17 wrote:
Agadmator is that one channel you waste all your time on even when you are not the best. That just shows how good it is.
Since I began watching his channel, my chess has improved a lot.
interesting
Jul 8, 2020
0
#36
Hello Overner,
Getting good at chess is like learning a new language... first you learn the alphabet ( pieces) ...then you learn words ( how the pieces move ) then you learn how to make simple sentences ( simple piece moves with a little strategic value ) and then you start becoming able to speak or write paragraphs ( better strategic plans using multiple pieces and ides ).... etc.
To become better at chess you must increase your "chess vocabulary". You must learn and practice the fundamentals of the opening ( developing all of your pieces by moving each one toward the center, castling early, etc...)
The answer to your question is no, you have not reached your level, however, how much progress you make depends on how much time you invest in raising your chess IQ and increasing your Chess Vocabulary.
Some people prefer to do it on their own through trial and error... other's prefer to learn from someone who knows how to help them and can demonstrate and support their desire for skill improvement.
All depends on which strategy is most appealing to you.
Those that do neither... or a little of either... stay relatively at the same level...
Forever.
But you do have a choice.
You can most certainly improve!
Nice analogy. Wise words.
Jul 9, 2020
0
#38
Agreed, lovely analogy. Basic words all the way up to being able to describe complex ideas.
Thank you to all who have replied to my original post. Thank you chessandgames for your thoughtful insight and advice. MrOOF600, I haven't yet saved any games, I did see a button somewhere to do so, if I can find it again I'll certainly make them available for you to see.
I don't know what it is that I'm so obviously doing wrong all the time, why I can't learn and progress as I was doing. There's a lot of stuff on this site and I don't know where is the best place to ask for help. Any advice (except give up) would be most welcome.
I would recommend playing online against other similarly-rated people. Computers play weird chess in my experience.
Also, if you sign up for a paid membership you can access more of the lessons, which are really good.
If you have any live games (against humans), I'll be happy to review one or two for my chess channel.