well joining a chess site is definatly good. you should definatly explore chess.com and do tactic trainer every day. you may want to possibly get a premium membership to get game analysis and chess mentor. you may also want to take local lessons or such too. another way to learn is just to play alot of games and learn from your mistakes and see good strategys other players have used. also u could look at some youtube videos especially chessnetwork. hope this helps. also if you really want to get better play people with higher ratings than you.
Best Way To Learn Chess?
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Aquire a solid foundation in the fundamentals:
http://www.uscfsales.com/the-game-of-chess.html
Constant practice against superior opponents is a must to attain skill and improve your technique and form the players who fight like a beast from the first move to the last move will help you get better.
Slow games 60 minutes and even 90 minutes are great.......
Playing Correspondence Chess in a non computer leauge can help you improve alot too.
To improve at chess you need to study endgames,tactics and strategy. For opening at your level just familiarize yourself with the general opening principles. I suggest you try to buy a good chess book appropriate for your level. Chess Tactics for Champion and Winning Chess Strategy by Seirawan are good for you.
Below are usefull lessons that will improve your game
http://chess.about.com/od/tipsforbeginners/ss/BasicCheckmates.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeMYBXEhCL0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-UcVihtK9M
http://chess.about.com/od/improveyourchess/ss/Basic-Pawn-Endgames_2.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2wLHLA2u5s
http://www.chess-game-strategies.com/control-of-a-useful-open-file.html
http://www.usefulchess.com/tactics/basicmates.htm
I am a beginner (been playing for 3-4 months now) and was wondering what the best ways to the learn the game are?