It's a pity you can't select a lower initial rating!

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NPWcc

As a new member and new player I started with a rating of 1200 but my real rating is considerably below that. It is currently inflated by games others have started and then not finished. I don't want to waste others time or mine playing much better players while just starting out. Would it not be better if you had the option to set yourself at say 1000 if you wanted to rather than have to waste time waiting for the passage of time to draw you down to the depths where you belong!

Scottrf

Looking at your last loss, some tips that will take you quite far:

In the opening, concentrate on getting your pieces into play rather than moving the same piece multiple times. You moved your knights multiple times to generate threats which were easily defended. Your objective in the opening is to get all of your pieces out, and your king safe. Only make pawn moves that help you get your pieces out or somehow fight for control of the centre.

Check for any checks, captures or threats that your opponent can make following your proposed move. On your 6th move you put your knight on an undefended square where it was attacked by the queen. Be careful any time you put a piece on a square where it isn't defended by a piece or a pawn.

Make sure you castle, not only does it normally make your king safe, but it connects your rooks. When they see each other they can defend each other and contest open files, and are much more powerful. As happened in the game, if your king is in the middle it is normally a lot more vulnerable to attack than if it's behind a wall of pawns.

The good thing about online chess is that you have the time to put in the work choosing good moves.

Sred

When you start out, your rating is very volatile (due to a high glicko RD), so it will adjust to an appropriate level quickly.

NPWcc
Scottrf - really appreciated that you have taken the time to give these pointers - they are really helpful for me. I would still like my rating to get to its proper level though so I can be rewarded with increases when and if I do actually get any better !!