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Just started playing a few weeks ago and afraid to play against a real person. In some of the postings I have seen, people are really critical of the plays a beginner makes.I know the basics, have been playing against the computer and reading books. I think I am obsessed!
Welcome to the world of chess!
Welcome and Enjoy Alaskaoutback 😎
Welcome. It's normal to be nervous about playing people. There are lots of posts on here from people who feel the same way. But playing people rather than bots is the best way to learn. Try playing longer games, even Daily, so you dont have the worry of time pressure. You'll get used to it. You're right, there are some users who are critical of beginners, they've forgotten what it's like to be a new player, but most people on here are very supportive and will happily help and offer advice.
Playing a computer is more scary than playing a human.
Unfortunately the comments I have seen have not been nice. Would like to be able to play someone who would offer constructive criticism after making a move.
@shadow1414 I think it is clear that both @Alaska... and I are referring to the sort of criticism that is more likely to undermine confidence than help improvement.
First, get some free lessons on chess.com, the newbie ones(aka new to chess ones)
May 9, 2021
0
#9
You're only a beginner. Play against real people. No one has the right to belittle you for just starting anything.
MarkGrubb wrote:
@shadow1414 I think it is clear that both @Alaska... and I are referring to the sort of criticism that is more likely to undermine confidence than help improvement.
It's clear Mark 
@Alaskaoutback how's your opening principles? Getting these right helped me immensely. Good luck!
Opening principles are not great. Just opened the link you sent and will work on making some of the suggested moves. Have not been opening with the middle pieces. Thanks for the article!
May 9, 2021
0
#12
Maybe try and play someone in the Alaska outback and then noone will see you.
@Alaska... I looked at your last loss against @RJL300. The f pawn is known as the 'forget-about-it' pawn, as in don't push it during the opening. It can lead to a short game - it's happened to us all. In the opening, the f pawn is an important defender of the h5-e8 diagonal. Also, the king can't castle through check, so if there isnt a pawn on f7/f2 your opponent might be able to block you from castling kingside. Once you've castled it is safer to push it but keep a lookout for threats on the open diagonal.
I have a couple more games started and in one of them I have already moved the f pawn and can see where there might be problems. In the other game the f pawn is still in place, so hopefully things will work out better. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Those games are against my son and he is showing me no mercy. 😄
May 9, 2021
0
#15
I would recommend puzzles, they are a good way to improve at chess if you don't have that much time on your hands.
May 9, 2021
0
#17
Alaskaoutback schreef:
Just started playing a few weeks ago and afraid to play against a real person. In some of the postings I have seen, people are really critical of the plays a beginner makes.I know the basics, have been playing against the computer and reading books. I think I am obsessed!
If someone is being critical, I criticize his critic.
That will teach him! 
May 10, 2021
0
#19
Hi! Welcome to the world of chess! My name is Lauren Goodkind and I’m a chess coach based and chess book author based in California.
To just get started in chess, I have tips to help you improve your chess skills so you can win more games.
-I offer a free beginner’s free eBook on my website, www.ChessByLauren.com in case you are interested. The book is about asking questions before each move.
-Learn basic tactics such as the fork, discovered attack, pin, and more. I offer interactive puzzles on my website: https://www.chessbylauren.com/two-choice-puzzles.php
And don't be afraid of playing people. Play your best and have fun!
I hope that this helps.
