Learning openings, midgame

Hi all,

I've been playing for about a week solidly now and am really enjoy myself, despite constantly losing. I notice that most people have memorized a certain number of openings, and subsequent mid-game movements to lead towards end game.

I'm looking for suggestions on how best to memorize these openings and combinations. I often remember the first two moves (e4 ... and so on) but have trouble with 'what to do next.'

Once I get to an endgame, I can either position myself to win or draw against the computer quite often, playing at an 800 level or below.

Any help is much much appreciated!!!

at your playing level, i suggest focusing on tactics, you can use chess.com's Tactics Trainer or to this site http://www.chesstactics.org/ where you will learn some chess patterns.

Chess Strategy for chess Openings: http://www.chesscentral.com/Chess_Strategy_a/201.htm i believe you will learn alot here

you must not just memorize chess openings, you must also find out the goal of the opening or ideas your trying to learn

You might try reading" Modern Chess Openings" that almost covers all chess openings

i'll also suggest Capablanca's Chess Fundamentals, its a great book

at a beginner level, don't worry about openings (other than basic opening principles like control the center, don't move the same piece twice, try to develop all your pieces quickly, don't make too many pawn moves, etc.)

practice tactics a lot and you'll see your game improve. once you are a higher level then you can start learning specific openings. although, i'd personally recommend practicing endgames first (like K+R vs K, K+Q vs K, K+P vs K, etc.)

chesstempo.com