I can't beat level 2...can someone help?
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I can't beat level 2 against the computer. I always try to control the center and develop pieces at the onset but I always get destroyed. I've watched the videos and tactic videos but it's still difficult. Any ideas on how to improve? I'm playing as much as possible but don't think I'm learning anything useful.
MackChaddy wrote:
I can't beat level 2 against the computer. I always try to control the center and develop pieces at the onset but I always get destroyed. I've watched the videos and tactic videos but it's still difficult. Any ideas on how to improve? I'm playing as much as possible but don't think I'm learning anything useful.
We can't see your games against the computer. However, this is a game you played today. You could have been immediately checkmated after your fourth move. Fortunately, your opponent didn't see the opportunity and immediately dropped his queen.
The most important thing you need to learn is to think about what your opponent is trying to do. His move may be random but you need to think about it In this game, his fourth move had little point because the combined attack of his queen and knight was blocked by your knight on f6. (He probably tries that plan in almost every game he plays.)
If you had looked at his move, 4 Ng5, you should have realized that plan and then moving your knight out of the way would have been your absolute last choice.
I am at a loss to understand your 13th move. Surely you realized that all you would get for your queen was 1 check.
The whole game is that way. Neither of you showed much evidence that you gave much thought to what your opponent was doing.
You obviously need more time to recognize such things.
Perhaps you should play more daily chess and take your time.
Feb 11, 2017
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#3
MackChaddy wrote:
I can't beat level 2 against the computer. I always try to control the center and develop pieces at the onset but I always get destroyed. I've watched the videos and tactic videos but it's still difficult. Any ideas on how to improve? I'm playing as much as possible but don't think I'm learning anything useful.
I'd recommend that you start with the very basics. Dan Heisman has some articles covering these topics, such as keeping your pieces safe, counting, board vision, etc. If you're interested (and you promise to read the material), I'll spend some time looking up the links.
@EscherehcsE thank you very much! The fact that you pointed me in the right direction is a huge help and I will look up those articles. Thank you!
The way I learned in the beginning was as following:
1 look if you can checkmate (if you can, do so)
2 look if you can be checkmated (if so, stop it)
3 look if you can take anything without them taking back
4 look if you can be taken without you taking back
5 look if you can trade "up", a pawn is 1 point, a horse 3, if you can trade a pawn for a horse that's almost always good
6 check if you don't have any pieces that your opponent could trade "up" against (losing a horse 3 points vs. a pawn 1 point is bad)
Checking all of this can take time, so maybe go ahead and play longer games so you have enough time to think.
Also, have a look at what your opponent is doing. If he has a lot of material pointed at one direction, he's probably planning an attack and you will want to check what he can do.
Feb 13, 2017
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#6
MackChaddy wrote:
@EscherehcsE thank you very much! The fact that you pointed me in the right direction is a huge help and I will look up those articles. Thank you!
I have some links that might make your search a little easier. Good luck!
Heisman's old archived site:
https://web.archive.org/web/20150915232038/http://home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Main_Chess/chess.htm
His archived Novice Nooks page:
https://web.archive.org/web/20150915231959/http://home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Articles/Novice_Nook_Links.htm
His archived Novice Nooks page (by Subject Type):
https://web.archive.org/web/20151004234008/http://home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Articles/subject.htm
Some important Novice Nooks to start with:
The Greatly Misunderstood and Potentially Challenging Tactic "Counting"
https://web.archive.org/web/20151005232455/http://www.chess.com/article/view/counting-vs-counting-material
A Counting Primer
https://web.archive.org/web/20151005232455/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman15.pdf
The Most Important Tactic
https://web.archive.org/web/20151005232455/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman35.pdf
Is it Safe?
https://web.archive.org/web/20151005232455/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman65.pdf
Helping You through the Jungle
https://web.archive.org/web/20140626202049/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman01.pdf
Chess Exercises
https://web.archive.org/web/20140627095240/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman32.pdf
An Improvement Plan
https://web.archive.org/web/20151004234008/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman19.pdf
IN the game (#2)
I find most interesting moves 12, 13, and 14.
consider, at the 12th move you are up a queen and just need to develop and look for weaknesses.
but in three moves you give up 2bishops and a queen. why did you do that? you totally turn a game that should have been an easy win to a desperate losing game.
I think those moves showcase much of your chess weakness.