just caught the chess bug

What's up, Chess heads!

Just a little background: I've always knew how to play chess but rarely did.

I went to a neighborhood coffee shop and played a few chess games against homie.

I got my ASS WHOOPED…but being a lifelong athlete, the competitive fire inside came alive.

Anyways, I'm just now starting to play regularly. I'm even watching videos on youtube.


I'm still getting my ass kicked.

I still don't get how to fully execute an opening -- like my opponent almost never plays the way I think it should.

Anyways, any advice on starting out?


Thanks in advance!

For beginners, Diakonia usually says,

"1. Opening Principles:

lot of tactics in your game. 

each move, spend a minute asking- if this were a tactics puzzle, is there a move that wins a peice?

spotting "opportunities" is a huge part of becoming competitive.

Welcome! - It's a great game, as games go.  Dont worry about your rating (don't even look at it)- just have fun!  Play longer games if you can.  Learn the 1st few moves of 1 or 2 openings (And the ideas behind them) so you can play them quickly & not be at a disadvantage right out of the gate.  One of your aims may be to, "get the pieces out", survive the opening, then like patzer said, look for tactics.  Also, you may learn a lot by going over your lost games & finding the bad moves.  My .02   

It just depends on the people in the club, whether they're compassionate and nurturing, or like to abuse newbies. I guess even in the latter case, if you have a thick skin and can take repeated poundings, you'd learn a lot and maybe even have fun. Regardless, clubs can't be beaten for the social experience.

you've got a great attitude about you mistakes!

and you looking at what your missing. that will go a Long, long ways...

Chess clubs may be good for learning & are definately worth it for the social thing - if you're into that.  The only thing is, they can be on the small side, #'s-wise.  What I enjoy most is playing someone at, or slightly above my strengh level - you can't beat the internet for finding 100's of people @ your level.  And the free tactics puzzles are really helpful!

Before you try tactics puzzles, learn what they are.  This site is great:  http://www.chesstactics.org/  Buy a chess openings book and study; find two openings as White and Black that you feel comfortable with, and learn them.  I also suggest that you play online games instead of live since you will have plenty of time to look at a position before moving. 

Good luck.