New member intro

Hello,

My name is Ian and I am new to Chess and the chess.com community. I thought I would take a moment to introduce myself.

As I said, I am new to the game I have never played at all. Last night I played around with the computer opponent and was totally lost. Trying to figure out what was going on, what piece had power over who and who they could capture. I kept having my Queen caught by the Bishop. Didn't see that diagonal move. And was shocked that pawns can capture.

I got lots of questions, but I'll make a new thread for that. I'm looking forward to learing this new game and meeting the members of this site!

Ian

OK Welcome. This is by far the best chess site. I have been on many sites and this is where I would rather be. Most folks here are nice and will answer your questions. Try the Chess Mentor and Tactics programs. Get some books and study. We are all trying to improve. Good luck. p.s. consider a membership.

Welcome Ian. If you think Bishops are tricky, wait till you get forked by a Knight!

welcome ian,losing is the beginning of understanding,that you have so many things to learn in every department of chess whether in the opening ,middlegame ,ending.for the meantime practice every activity of chess pieces over the board and learn every skill of it in handling. avail also of membership as there are added learning features of which you can benefit from.

 What does "forked" mean?

Exactly what it sounds like!  Seriously, though, a knight fork is when the knight has been moved into a position where it attacks multiple pieces at once. 

Well, look at that! I think I see what you mean.

Thanks guys by the way for the warm welcome. Really appreciate it. Learning more when I can about this interesting game! Ain't like Checkers :)

Welcome, Mr_Winner1.  I started learning chess when I was 17 by teaching myself. Chess only becomes more intriguing as time goes by. 

how bout not falling for the lasker trap,or any others btw

What does the 'x' mean in the move, like dxe5?

"x" = "takes" or "captures"

So, in the above example, dxe5 means 'd-pawn takes e5'