Hi everyone, I am learning to play chess and recently became very interested. I can hold off only a 1200-1300 rating. What would be the best way to learn, openings, just playing? Anyone throw me a bone?

"Play with stronger players" will be my first advice !

and solve a lot of Tactics problems!

My advice is "Spend over 1 hour playing chess every day, solve puzzles, learn oppenings..." That's the way it is.

By the way I thought that in Russia u r born with the talant ;-)

couldn't put it better myself. the more you play the more you will condition your brain . you will start to recognise familar patterns on the board

 Born with the talent, but that is only potential...Thx for the advice guys, I'll keep playing strong opponents and grab a book or two. I am thinking "

Chess Fundamentals (Algebraic) (Paperback)

by Jose Raul Capablanca " any other good books anyone knows?

I've had luck with Chesstactics.org. My play is better and my knowledge of the game has definately increased.

I wouldn't study openings until you are higher rated - that's what many good players say.  Study tactics almost exclusively at this level.  That's what I'm attempting to do!  I am not very good, but trying.

Hi,

I used to play with a passion twenty years ago but then dropped the game. I've recently taken it up again and started out by pouring over books on openings which I've been correctly advised is not the best way to go about things. I now play everyday (even if they're just short blitz games though they're less helpful) and spend time going through my games afterwards. I also work through tactics (on this site and on the Chess Tactics Server site http://chess.emrald.net/). I know next to nothing on endgames and need to address this. I think tactics and endgame knowledge are far more vital than knowing opening theory for those who are starting out. As for books I have ordered or am reading the following which, I believe, have generally been well received: -

My System - Nimzovich

Winning Chess Tactics - Seirawan

Modern Chess Strategy - Pachmen (Abridged Version)

Silman's Complete Endgame Course - Silman

How to Reassess Your Chess - Silman

I also have 'Mastering The Opening', an Everyman book that provides useful information on the ideas behind many of the main opening lines.

After all that it's just play, play, play. This, for me at least, is enough to keep me going for a long time yet.

Good luck to you....

mike

I Put chess playing as being on a par with music. I dont read music, But it does not stop me playing well. As with chess, I dont study the game, But im winning more games than loseing. I think it is better to see the board at hand and go from there. I am pretty sure that if you enjoy what you are doing' one will improve in the game.

 no point learning endgame until you no openings then middle because you will be awful and endgame if you dont start good

there no point in studying openings if you don't know middlegame and endgame b/c most opening theory is built on the assumption that you know how to convert a slight advantage in an opening into a won game.

imo learn a little bit about a few basic openings  that will get you into a reasonable position.  Learn basic theory about openings like develop your pieces, castle early, etc.  Play openings that will offer tactical midgames so you can practice and develop that part of your game, which is arguably the quickest way to improve your rating from beginner to intermediate.

White: Ruy Lopez, Italian

Black: Sicilian Dragon, Nimzo Indian

 I have Silman's Endgame next on my wish for list. However, I never get to the end game because the end for me comes in the middlegame.  

Sigh...stwils

Thx for the responses guys.

Probably the best way to start IMPROVING (that's what you need) in chess is to find an instructor. Or better yet, a master. Someone who has broad understanding and experience in chess and can explain things to you, train and correct out your blunders. That worked for me. When I entered college a year ago, all I knew was how to move the pieces, but since I have a coach who broke down the details and secrets of chess to me, I'm able to reach the status where I am today. Haha.

Also, try meeting varsity players in your university, chess players in your community  and play against them. Or just watch them play. I say, it's better to play chess in the "real world" than online.

Try joining competition and tournaments. Though in the start, you might end up losing and saying goodbye to a handful of cash to registration fees, believe me, it's worth it. You'll get a lot out of that. You'll also be able to get to know people who can be your chess buddies. (Based on my experiences)

Start from the openings. That's where your game plan will originate. If you don't have an opening, that is like going to a war without any weapon. Or taking a written exam without paper or pen. :-) Then move on to the middle game, then to the end game.

Speaking of paper and pen, when you play a game, try to write down your moves (and of course, the moves of your opponent) so that you can have a documenation for analysis later on. (This is one of the commandments my coach gave me)

AVOID playing blitz and rapid games. Your shortest game should be 20 mins in time. Long games are the best when you are in the training mode. It will allow you to analyze your moves deeper. My coach never allowed me to play any blitz game. He trained me in minimum of 30 mins game. Rapid and blitz games shall come in line when you've already mastered your gameplay.

If you buy books, go for puzzles and endgame tactics materials. But you shouldn't rely on them that much, specially if you're not yet well oriented with actual games. They're just for reference and backups.

And if you want, I can play with you. If you need some help in chess openings and basic chess strategies, I'm right here. I'm not a pro. or a Master in chess, but I'm willing to share to you whatever I know.

One thing more. Don't pressure your self into learning this sport hastily. Just enjoy it. That way, you don't just learn it, you live it. :-)

Hope my 2 months late novel here will still be of any help. God bless!

'Studying' games and puzzles is good but you have to be honest with yourself; a lot of it goes over the top of your head and your not equipped to benefit from it. I think the time when you're NOT at the board is very important. For instance, as you lay there not sleeping at night you can mentally discuss principles and subtleties of the game, mull over recent events that have happened in your games etc.

I'd say don't study the Ruy Lopez. The Ruy Lopez can only happen if both sides agree to it; you can avoid it as black or white. So, that huge chunk of opening theory can be shelved (for the time being) and you can metaphorically rip all those pages out of opening manuals. The same applies to the Kings Gambit. I think it's best to be ready for openings which you WILL face rather than ones which you can avoid.

just like an hockey player practicing slapshots, to  brake, etc

you must practice every aspect of chess, even if it sounds stupid.

i got a REALLY good ebook that helps you to set up a 5month studying plan that(if you do it correctly, without trying to save time)will help you critically with your vision of the board, finding combinations, etc.

it's an awesomee training plan that will teach you how to manage the chessboard

the book is named

Michael de la Maza - Rapid Chess Improvement - A Study Plan.

it has 127pages, it's on a 5month basis and you're going to learn a LOT from this book if you ever take the time to read it and to apply it's plans.

send me a message to yourmate@live.ca or a private message my chess.com account with your e-mail.
and i'm going to send you the book if you're interested.