Greetings ! :3

Hey everyone, my names Nic. I'm 18, just started college; and, just began wanting to take my game of Chess seriously. I've played in the past. I know the basic movements and stuff, but I lack knowledge in openings, tactics, strategy, and middle and end game. When I see a cluttered board fiiled with pieces, I just freeze up and make stupid moves. Let's face it, I suck. Lmao. But I really want to get better and start to learning theory, tactics and strategy. I just don't want to be moving random pieces anymore, lol, I want every piece I move to have some sort of value. I hope to meet all of you guys, and better my game. My goal is to start winning, or just placing high in smaller tourneys. And then move to bigger ones. I'm willing to devote a lot of time to achieve this. But yeah, nice to meet you all ! ;)

Welcome to the most frustrating avocation known to man.

lol. Thanks man.

love chess and chess will also love you.progress starts with love of the game and continous learning for the game.

I hope you enjoy it here!

Thanks guys. Anyone recommend somewhere where I can better my game, and learn basic openings, strategy, etc. ?

There are many ways.

What ways do you reccomend ? Haha

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Play

Never thought of that .. Thanks ! ;) haha.

I would tell you the ways from other sites, but then I'd be comitting heresy; I would show the ways on this site, but I would kinda view myself as a butt-kisser in a sense if I did that. Look around, you should find ways.

Thanks man. I'll defiantly check that book out.

I am also from West Virginia.

Chess.com has recently come up with study plans to help us better utilize the site resources.  Found in the articles under chess.com help.  It's at least a place to start.

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craigmsandy wrote: I am also from West Virginia. What part ?

@OP: Welcome to the best chess site on the web! To improve, the best advice is, indeed, to just play lots of games! Some games will be frustrating, but others will be exhilirating, so just be patient with yourself! Since you're a premium member, you'll want to make use of all Chess.com has to offer, including the articles, videos, and databases.

Cluttered positions and complex middlegames used to fluster me too. In fact, they still do!... but not as much as they used to. That's okay, because each game gives me experience and helps me play better the next time. The same applies to you, so I encourage you to remember that as you play. The more you play, the more experience you'll get, and the better you'll handle the craziness you're sure to encounter.

Good luck and happy playing!

Welcome, CastlingFTW! :3

I see by your username that you've already learned one important principle of chess.

In addition to playing, if you want to learn helpful hints and tips, you might try checking out Novice Nook:

http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman01.pdf

(You can get to Novice Nook #02, 03, ..., just by changing the number in the URL.)

Ohio River Valley

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Indeed we've had a few EnpassantWTFs too many :)