What is the best way to improve at chess?

You need a couple of tools in your armory, before you even start:

1. Learn the relative values of the pieces.

2. Learn to read and write algebraic notation, the language of chess.

Thank you for the advice, I will get right into reading!

chrisr2212 wrote: kylewmurray wrote: So i have been playing chess on and off for a while and i just started playing again this week, i am not very good and am looking to improve. What would be the best way to do so? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Thanks! You have an online game going on at the moment.. It went 1 Nf3 d5  2 e4 dxe4  3 d3 You are in immense trouble there because you are allowing your knight to be captured by a pawn, and it's a far better piece than a pawn. On move 2, one of the moves "not" to play is 2 e4  since you are giving that pawn away without good reason. Even there, you have material to start improving your game from. I wasn't really paying attention to this game because I prefer to Okay 5 or 3 minute games, but Thanks for the advice, I make silly mistakes like that often

I am currently trying these^ I am finding that i am coming across them in the game, thanks for the advice!

I disagree about an easy answer. It is easier said than done, however. The cornerstone to being a great chess player all revolves around one essential skill. It is what seperates the pretenders from the contenders. It is the skill of visualization/calculation. No matter the opening or end game, who ever does this better will execute better and will win. If you dominate here, the much more difficult to calculate middle should take of itself, that is if you are choosing better moves than your opponents already...

nameno1had do you have any tips on how to improve this skill?

It's called "intuition". And intuition in chess can be achieved only by studying thoroughly games of the great masters of the past, and the way they were handling the complex positional problems.

Can you suggest any good games to study?

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I am not sure if you are a premium member. I didn't look, but if so,I recommend all of the following:

The tactics trainer and mentor lessons will help you.

Chess puzzles for end game/solving mate.

Study openings, but not just the position you see a picture of, try to understand why each move is made.Ask yourself, What does it do for you offensively and defensively?

Try to see your opponents threats as if you were sitting in his seat. Think about what his best moves would be. Try to choose moves based on your ability to see not only what will give you a threat to mate him,gain a better position, gain a material advantage, but also,to choose moves that limit his chances at the same time.

Another thing that may seem silly and a waste of time to some is, when you see a really complex puzzle, especially even if you solved it or someone showed the answer, see what else you could have manipulated out of the situation. Sometimes you'll see a forcing move that leads to a fork, but miss a subtle move that leads to a mate. Look at them forward and backwards til you see both.

Remember this all takes time. As you remember the positions from repetition, you won't have to put as much thought into some moves, you'll already know. Always try to remember that you have to believe what you are trying for, is attainable. If not you'll give up and/or have no sense of direction. So set goals for yourself and work until you have achieved them.

Finally, last but not least, "Good Luck"....everyone needs it from time to time...

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I disagree with your assessment of intuition....it is as inherent to an individual as what their favorite color, food or song might be...if you are trying to combine it with what we refer to as an educated guess based on our knowledge of our opponent or situation, that would be different...that would be our educated guess, as it appeals to our intuition...others just call it luck...

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" The more I learn about people , the better I like my dog." - Mark Twain 

I would have a unrated game with anyone who would play with me, just let me know :)

I took a look at your rating and have a suggestion. Lev Alburt and Roman Pelts Comprehensive Chess Course, I would skip volume 1 and start with volume 2. Volume 1 concerns how the board is set up and how the pieces move. Volume 2 picks up just after that point and it's lessons are set up like a text book with review questions and answers. Learn the ideas behind a few basic openings, which squares you are trying to control and which of your opponents pieces you should trade off. YouTube is an excellent source for reviewing openings. Play when you can and when you lose try to figure out why. Good luck and have fun.

Take two weeks off, then give the game up forever. At Least you will save your sanity.

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 You dont need to be great at studying your own games.  The most important you need to be is honest.  You have to be able to openly and honestly assess your chess strenghts and weaknesses. 

No matter your level, go over your games especially your losses.  It is important to be a critical as possible.  If you are afraid to admit the obvious you wont improve.  The more you do this, you will start to see a pattern of where you are going wrong.  Feel free to message me with any questions you may have.

Best post ive seen for ages. Clever, funny and the added bonus of the original poster not getting it. Top marks PeanutMonster haha

Best way? Play/enjoy

Thank you all for the help, I am going to buy a few book suggestions and review my old games. If you have any tips  i would be very grateful!

Go here: http://danheisman.home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Articles/Novice_Nook_Links.htm#subjectorder 

Read all the articles on "Thought Process" and "General Improvement." Do what is suggested. Do it again. Repeat until you're a master.