Q+A for beginners(and everyone else)

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/tactics-vs-strategy3

 Yeah it is a bit longer than some of my posts. Luckily for you rychessmaster1, you are not really obligated to read the whole thing; it is all about target audience. I wanted a response that makes sense to everyone (even if longer), while strong players might find it repetitive. 

Short version: don't let your initiative fizzle - always have a follow-up plan

Re post 868, d4 works for white if you need to simplify your repertoire but what about playing black.  I've had to memorize most of kings gambit because despite (IMHO) being a not so great opening it's tough to defend in speed unless you know it.  Its popular for white here in blitz.

As to later post referring to ICC coaches, do I need to buy ICC membership to hire these guys?  Thanks again

Chrump

I started playing here yesterday, and I had 1000 points. I have won only one game which was my first and I lost the next ten and I am currently at around 400. Is this expected or am I just bad? If it's the former, how long will it take for me to get out this period? And either way, what are things I can do to improve that don't require some kind of subscription?

you're still at school eh

how good would chess be, if people could come along and easily be good in 1 day? chess would be worthless.

head down, tail up, do the mahi bro.

i understand that I can't get good at chess in the first day, but let's say I play one hour every day and research tips and tricks on chess a lot. How long will it take for me to become somewhat competent at the game? By that i mean i can beat people consistently, i fully understand the basics and most of the more advance techniques and implement them in my matches and can place reasonably well in smaller chess tournaments. thanks in advance

Sorry but based on your blitz rating, much to learn you still have. Possible for you to become a good player it is, but easy it will not be. Quit like most people, you might. Unless patience and persistence, you learn.

unfortunately when you become a grown up, most stuff worth having isn't easy you realize I guess an hour a day will something, do

an hour a day for 3 months would be more of an indicator of future results for most pursuits I can think of.

I wouldn't worry at all; this is completely normal. The rating fluctuates a lot at first because you have not played that many games, so the rating system is going to fluctuate wildly to adjust to your current "true rating." After several games, the rating will stabilize and your numbers won't wildly swing; it will then better reflect your improvement/results with time and practice. 

I'd recommend having fun and getting several games in. Then you can ask for for tailored advice more accurate to your current chess ability and understanding. After you play some more games (to get a more accurate rating) then feel free to message me and I could offer my insight; even the best chess players won't truly be able to give resounding advice without knowledge of your approximate level of chess understanding (so the recommendations are not above your understanding, but also not speaking down to you either).

He's amazing, a true student of the game and always patient with people ^^^

Has the clone war begun yet?

Thanks. I really appreciate the advice, y'all.

Lol yes Clone Wars is my favorite cartoon of all time.

How do i get better at chess,my rating is soooooo low

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/i-suck-at-chess-16

Hello,

I was playing a better opponent but apparently got lucky obtaining the following position as White (with White to move). A subsequent computer analysis told me I was a whopping 6 points ahead in this position, but then when I played d3, I totally wasted a tremendous advantage. Although I can see the black Queen is a bit hemmed in, she's not immediately vulnerable to my eye, and although I see a potential fork with my knight and a half-open file waiting for my rook, I can't see why this position is quite so amazingly strong for white, nor do I understand why I lost most of my advantage with d3. Is there a straightforward English explanation? The FEN and board image are below (with White to move).

rnb1k1nr/ppp3pp/3b1p2/q2Np3/2B5/5N2/PPPP1PPP/R1BQ1RK1 w kq - 4 8

I dislike chess.com analysis more and more :/ in a game i won recently, it said my move was a huge blunder when it was the ONLY move that could have saved the game for me. I even won!

8.d4 is slightly stronger because it also controls the c5 square, However, I didn't find a +6.00 advantage being lost.

Show us the game! I don't think that's even possible. The move would be forced, so not a blunder.