I play chess just as good on a 2D board as I do on a real one. Even Anand doesn't have a chess board at home, and have everything on the computer, even though he plays the tournaments on real boards.
The reason I can think off is that the players in the club have played longer/trained more effective. Therefor, I can recommend 2 ways of improving. First, play some games in the chess club and write down the moves! Afterwards, analyse the game with a stronger player, and you will learn alot. I have played chess for 3 years and has a ELO on 1811. The first year: Lost all ¨real games¨ (2 hours or more/player) in the chess club (Actually not, think I got 1½/18 or something). Then we analysed, and I left. Then I began to win, and I though: Oh wait, chess is alot of fun. Then I started to play alot. And my results improved extremely much.
The second is slightly more boring, it's tactics. Tactics, tactics and tactics. For a free wepsite I can recommend Chesstempo.com, however Tactics Trainer here is also very good. Before moving, remember to figure it all out to the end. If you can't, guess, and look up ALL lines. It will help alot.
Help! I've played hundreds of matches here, made it to 600+, then went to chess club to play on regular board matches. I got slaughtered every time. Am I hurting my game by playing on the computer? I have a board set up next to computer, but it's tough to move and then move on board. I want so bad to move past 600; just wat to get better. Help!