Join this group
Then sign up for the mentoring program here.
If you are really novice, learn to play
QGD and
as both black and white. So basically, every chess game, play either of these two openings regardless which color you are.
Greetings!
Sort:
You are also invited to join this group http://www.chess.com/groups/home/theblindtigers
We would be honered to have you as a member!
aquiredtaste wrote
I don't think openings are a good start for a novice. Basic principles of openings are:
1. Develop your pieces. They do a lot more good in the centre, so get them out into play. Unless you have a real good reason, don't move a piece twice before all of your pieces are developed.
2. Control the centre. Following the first rule will help lots, and central pawns (the e and d one) on the fourth rank for white (fifth for black) will block outposts for your opponent's pieces.
You can look up more opening principles in chess literature, or on-line. But memorising book moves is usually not a good idea at this stage. Beginners rarely understand the purpose of the moves, so they're lost when their opponents make non-book moves (and if you play with other beginners, that's going to happen).
Thank you for the suggestions and comments! 
Jul 17, 2010
0
#6
William_Smitham wrote:
Thank you for the suggestions and comments!
Here's a thought: Go to "live chess" and click on the "games" tab. Once you are there find some games at slower time controls and watch the people play. While you are there you can chat with people who are also watching the game to see and ask what's going on...
Hello everyone. I am new to the site, and it is fair to say that my skill level in chess is novice. I have looked at the group listings (lots of groups, some with decent information, and some seem active), but was hoping for some suggestions as to any group(s) that may be tailored towards novice players that are fairly active. Does anyone have any in mind that I may look further into?
Thank you in advance for any input,
William