How to Improve

Hi everybody,

I'm a new member (although I joined several years ago I never actually played).

I learned how to move the pieces around when I was about 20 or so.

Basically, my 6 year old son has started learning chess at school and he's really enjoying it, so I've started reading and playing on here.

I was just curious for advice on the quickest way to progress, I think I can dedicate about an hour a day to chess at the moment although in July and August it will be more like 3 hours a day.

I've been playing some blitz matches of 5 minutes and really enjoying it.

Thank you BobbyTalparov,

It sounds like good advice. I think i've been playing shorter games because I thought I'd have more chance : ) a little cowardly really.

I will try a 15 minute game. Thanks again

Reading chess books is a great way to improve your chess knowledge. You can find many chess books in the internet.

Any recommendations?

Thanks Nanadru, i'll check out the website.

 Thanks for the cryptic message IAMBBW...don't really understand it (a bit like chess).

Always write down your moves to look for faults after the game

search for your favorite gambit and try to realise best moves for ones you found (played) after that try others and thats how you expend your chess knowledge 😃

Do 5 tactics puzzles and 1 lesson each day. Analyze your games. Watch matojelic and suren on youtube. Your life will change.

Thank you so much for that inspiring post.

If you want I am giving a free lesson, just message me

Chess Strategy for Kids by Coackley. 

This book is great for its target audience. You will learn a lot from this book. There are topics here that you can also teach your son later on. This book covers opening,tactics,strategies and endgames that every novice player should know.

The best way you can do to improve is by solving tactics problems. Solve at least 5 puzzles everyday. A good book for tactics puzzles is World's Champion Guide to Chess by Polgar.

Learn the different tactical themes here.

http://www.chessfornovices.com/whatarechesstactics.html

Basic Mate Patterns

http://www.usefulchess.com/tactics/checkmate.htm

Regarding chess books..... I would really value some input regarding self learning through a

book approach. I like Lev Alburt's first two....but what about Yusupovs approach....or

Nigel Davies Power Chess ( 2 volumes)???

Your thoughts and ideas please.

If you really want books look at Chernev's logical chess, John Nunn understanding chess, Reuben Fine chess ideas behind the opening, Yasser Seirawan winning chess endings, Pandolfini's ultimate guide to chess, Silman's reassess your chess.

But online tactics puzzles, chess mentor lessons, and analyzing games (yours/fellow players') will teach you so much more I believe, don't overlook those!

I thank all of you for your input....sincerely...

I will continue to listen. I'm teachable and willing.

Thanks everybody. Useful advice.