improvement

No complainets but having learnet the basic moves when I was about 7, I probably play about the same  level and really dont know any sort of general stratagy

You should find an OTB coach that can help you.

Thanks for the idea you up for it?

http://www.chess.com/coaches

You don't need a coach (I've never had one), you need to play lots of chess and most importantly, you need to enjoy playing chess. Improvement will follow naturally.

Openings coach

Middlegame coach

Endings coach

Motivation coach

Clock Management coach

Tactics! Tactics! Tactics! coach?

(Two of my least favourite answers (to any question, it would seem), combined in one horrible expression)

Any advise is meet with thanks. The playing of more games I can understand, but all I seem to do is make the same mistakes without realising it! I know this is no one elses prob but perhaps if I understand principles behind moves the mistakes would become less. I do enjoy the game and playing against people would like to give them a bit more of a match though. G

When you play lots of chess, you should try to play against stronger players. Keep your ears and eyes open and be prepared to ask properly framed questions.

As you get stronger, you'll realise your own deficiencies and be more able to coach yourself.

Paying for a coach is misguided, for adults who just want to play a bit better.

OTB practice against proper chess players (i.e. not friends and family) is far more valuable than anything you can do online. If you haven't done so already, take a look at your local chess club.

Anyone with a glimmer of talent can make 1800 in three to five years, with minimal study and certainly without a coach. 

If it's fun, it won't become a chore.

Thanks for the advice. I do beleive in dumb questions, so here is probably the first. Would you cinsider OTB the same playing on here as in the flesh so to speak. As to the local club, unfortuately I work nights and theyn meet on one of the nights I am due in work. But thanks anyway. G

Online chess is like the freeze-dried alternative. Most of the excitement and practically all the emotion have been sucked out of the game. I think it's because you can't see the other bloke. The interface: looking at a screen and typing or clicking images, doesn't help either. Humans do best when face to face, spoken language, gestures, facial expressions and proper interaction are far more easily digested, than anything that can be typed.

Agreed any interaction is always better face to face, you can glean a lot more from personal interaction, than in a informal enviroment.This is not just the case with on line chess but any situation.

My advice is the same advice given to the gentleman tourist in NYC who asked the question..."How do you get to Carnegie Hall?"   He was given the answer........"Practice, man...,,,..practice!"