...Chess Newbee - Where to Start - software - etc.

Hi

I am a chess newbee.

I have been reading through a number of  great chess websites.

I know how the pieces move - plus a little more.

I am looking to learn how to play the game - a good introductory tutorial/book/software that takes me through the BASICS - position, strategy, tactics, openings, middle and end. I am looking for a solid but not overly complex overview - something that can get me started.

Can anyone help me with  software?

How will it help me? What features will be the most helpful?

I've heard of some software that is free - Arena/Stockfish, and some that cost $, Fritz.

I think that it would be helpful if the software is also a training tool for the novice - puzzles, openings, etc. 

Finally, I've heard about game databases - I don't think I need a gagillion - are there good free databases or modest priced databases?

Many thanks

-Ethan

Under the "learn" tab chess.com has various stuff

Like this https://www.chess.com/lessons

As for a free database, this is good http://www.chessgames.com/

Which includes game collections made by users like me or you, like this one

http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chesscollection?cid=1001601

If you're a true beginner (you basically know the rules and that's it) then a book like this is a good start.

https://www.amazon.com/Play-Winning-Chess-Yasser-Seirawan/dp/1857443314

The way I began, I played games online, then reviewed them with a chess engine.

You seem to already know about how stockfish and arena/scid are free. Also playing is free of course.

I also checked the openings vs a database. AFAIK there is no free way to do this. Some places like chess.com let you check the first 4-5 moves, but that's it.

That may be enough, I don't know, but getting a membership (here or somewhere else that offers such things) is the cheapest way AFAIK. In contrast software like chessbase is at least USD $100.

And while I prefer books and playing, these days there are lots of things online. One free resource is the videos the Saint Louis Chess Club puts out. Here's a link to some playlists. Some are for beginners.
https://www.youtube.com/user/STLChessClub/playlists

Other than resources, I'll give some tips for activity.

After learning the rule and some of the basics, I recommend something like this:

 - Play long games and review them for mistakes. The most important thing to do in the beginning is play.

 - Every once in a while play over some famous historical grandmaster games (I gave a link to some in my previous post, but you can also use google easily enough). Looking at GM games gives you an idea of what a good games looks like. You don't have to understand every  move, but like with any skill, it helps to see what a professional's performance looks like.

 - Solve tactical puzzles. This is one of the most effective ways to improve in the beginning and has many benefits like exercising and improving your ability to visualize and teaching common tactical themes like forks, pins, and discovered attacks. If you want to do this using a book, one of these are good:

https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Chess-Tactics-Everyman/dp/1857443861

https://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Tactics-ChessCafe-Chess/dp/1888690348

Yes. Listen to Preggo and Bacon. They know their stuff

I would also add DeirdreSkye too. 

Thank you all so much!

I recently purchased Fritz 16 and need help learning to use the software.

@Buggyme, feel free to ask questions, although the equipment forum might be the more appropriate place. Create a new topic so it is clear what you are asking and people who actually know the answers might see it.