Need advise with learning videos.

OK so I'm quite new to the game of chess. I have played a few games and unfortunately spent money on a tool like fritz which I will not be able to really utilize any time soon.

So I found this website and figured I would give the lessons a shot. So far I have completed up to the intermediate level but noticed that there are other lessons for tactics and openings stuff like that.

I guess what my real question is. Would I be cheating myself If I left the advanced and master part of the current line of lessons for later? Or is the learning system set up to complete that and then move on, even though I'm starting to struggle with the current direction the lesson is going.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

my advice is : "slow and steady wins the race " . 

if you are struggling with current lessons then stay on it . dont move forward . it means that the you haven't mastered the acquired knowledge yet . so dont burden yourself with more new info . it may end up disheartening you .

1. learn two openings as white and two as black . i mean learn the first 8-10 moves with reasons for those moves .

2. tactics . you have to train yourself in tactics . solve tactical puzzles daily . just 4-5 puzzles will be enough . go over them .

3.learn basic endgames .

4. develope a THINKING SYSTEM for finding moves to make .

5.to get better in beginning , you have to 

                       1- eliminate blunders from your game

                        2-stop hanging your pieces and punish opponents hanging pieces

Thanks web!!! You more than answered my question. I'll keep going over the lessons that I struggle with and take note of the points you made. Writing them down as I post this in fact.

Hi Justin - I'm happy to play some unrated games with you. I'm little more than a beginner myself. Send a friend request if interested.

same here - happy to play rated or unrated games. If unrated we can discuss during the game or afterwards as you wish.

The basics of each phase of the game

Opening:

Follow the Opening principles:

1.      Control the center squares – d4-e4-d5-e5

2.      Develop your minor pieces toward the center – piece activity is the key

Ø  Complete your development before moving a piece twice or starting an attack.

Ø  Move pieces not pawns.

3.      Castle

4.      Connect your rooks

Ø    By move 12, you should have connected your Rooks, or be about to do so.

Middle game:

When you have completed the Opening Principles, you are now at the middle game.  Now you need to formulate a middle game plan.  The middle game is a very complicated part of a chess game.  A simple way to develop a middle game plan is to perform the following steps.

1.      Scan your opponents 5^th, and 6^th ranks (3^rd, and 4^th if your black)

2.      Look for weak pawns, and or weak squares.

Ø  Weak pawns and squares are Pawns, and squares that cannot be defended by another Pawn.

Ø  Knights are excellent pieces on weak squares.

Ø  When deciding on weak squares, and weak Pawns to attack, the closer to the center the better

End game:

Start with the basics:

1.      Learn basic mates – KQ vs. K, KR vs. K, KRR vs. K

2.      Learn Opposition, and Key Squares

3.      Learn basic King and Pawn endings

Pre Move Checklist

1. Make sure all your pieces are safe.

2. Look for forcing moves: Checks, captures, threats. You want to look at ALL forcing moves (even the bad ones) this will force you look at, and see the entire board.

3. If there are no forcing moves, you then want to remove any of your opponent’s pieces from your side of the board.

4. If your opponent doesn’t have any of his pieces on your side of the board, then you want to improve the position of your least active piece.

5. After each move by your opponent, ask yourself: "What is my opponent trying to do?"