semi-beginner--feeling lost & intimidated

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odisea777
moogyboy wrote:

hey all

First post on chess.com. Please bear with me, I feel a bit like a toddler wandering into a smoke-filled room of adults. I'm not exactly a complete newbie at chess, but I may as well be--I've known at least the basic rules since high school, have done a fair amount of reading online recently, and and just interested in the game, but outside of playing the computer (rather badly) I haven't actually played any real chess since school, ie 20 odd years ago. So what to do? I've inquired at one of the local chess clubs and obviously I've signed on here in hopes of meeting some fellow players, but almost instantly I'm like, okay I'm here...but the c.c computer beat me instantly (on Easy) and the first game that popped up when I went over to Live Chess was between a GM and an FM, everybody seems to be at least 1200-1300 and well over that...aiieee.

I can't tell if I'm just out of my depth or if some study time before I even start trying is in order. Outside of basic, basic principles (ie control the center) and a fairly scattershot understanding of tactical patterns, I've never actually studied the game. But knowing that just about everyone can wipe the floor with me at this stage makes me really hesitant to try playing a real person, and I don't want to waste anyone's time. I just don't know where to start, and I'd be embarrassed if I attempted a few games and threw up my hands after getting trounced a few times.

I hope I'm not putting anyone off with all this timidity, I seriously do want to try to pick up the game again and finally gain some competency. I suppose besides study time what I really need is some gentle encouragement, or something, just to get past this initial intimidated feeling and find my way into the chess community in however a small way I can.

cheers

Billy S.

tactics, tactics, tactics; do the tactics trainer and chess mentor and you will improve

klimski

richb8888 schreef:

You have to play sometime, and you will  lose, and lose badly at first unless your the next Fisher. First, if you can not stomach losing at first, then this is not the game for you. Do not play blitz and bullet games at first------they are way to fast for a new person, you will not learn anything.  I would play correspondace  games, where you have time to learn  and also live games at a long rating, no quick games. I would also play the tactics trainer on here. 

+1, all true. Except that Bobby F lost all his games the first time(s) he played at a chess club. But he stuck at it and the rest is history! So take heart, losing is part of it.

I_Am_Second
moogyboy wrote:

hey all

First post on chess.com. Please bear with me, I feel a bit like a toddler wandering into a smoke-filled room of adults. I'm not exactly a complete newbie at chess, but I may as well be--I've known at least the basic rules since high school, have done a fair amount of reading online recently, and and just interested in the game, but outside of playing the computer (rather badly) I haven't actually played any real chess since school, ie 20 odd years ago. So what to do? I've inquired at one of the local chess clubs and obviously I've signed on here in hopes of meeting some fellow players, but almost instantly I'm like, okay I'm here...but the c.c computer beat me instantly (on Easy) and the first game that popped up when I went over to Live Chess was between a GM and an FM, everybody seems to be at least 1200-1300 and well over that...aiieee.

I can't tell if I'm just out of my depth or if some study time before I even start trying is in order. Outside of basic, basic principles (ie control the center) and a fairly scattershot understanding of tactical patterns, I've never actually studied the game. But knowing that just about everyone can wipe the floor with me at this stage makes me really hesitant to try playing a real person, and I don't want to waste anyone's time. I just don't know where to start, and I'd be embarrassed if I attempted a few games and threw up my hands after getting trounced a few times.

I hope I'm not putting anyone off with all this timidity, I seriously do want to try to pick up the game again and finally gain some competency. I suppose besides study time what I really need is some gentle encouragement, or something, just to get past this initial intimidated feeling and find my way into the chess community in however a small way I can.

cheers

Billy S.

We all started at the beginning, just like you :-)

Learn the opening principles:

Control the center

Develop your minor pieces (bishops/knights) toward the center

Castle

Connect your rooks

 

Then....play games.  Thats how youll improve. Always ask your opponent after if thye will go over the game with you.  Be warned, that it will be a near impossible thing to get done tough.

Study basic mates = KQ vs K, KR vs K KRR vs K

Study tactics

One of the best things you can do is analyze your games.  Dont worry ab out how incorrect some of your analysis will be, thats how you improve. 

Former world champion Mikhail Botvinnik offered a very valuable piece of advice.  Post your games for review by others.