Newbie needs an opponent

Hi everybody, I learnt the basics of chess as a child but I havnt played since.

I've played 3 easy games against the computer and lost them all!!

My next step is to attempt a real game but I dont know how to tell who is on the same [inexperienced] level as myself and who is a master and way out of my league.

Could someone please explain the ratings system to me as I'm new to all this and not sure who to choose as an opponent?

Thanx  

You can't really know for sure. Some chess players know how to play really well but only play once in a while. Choose someone rated 1200-1250. Above that might be too hard for you. You can also try someone 1100-1250. Just make sure that their highest rating is no higher than 1250.

Anyone 1400-1800 is a really good chess player and 1500-2000+ are at advance level.

You can usually tell by how they move on their first turn. If they move their rook pawns ( beginner chess player), center pawns ( probably knows how to play well)

Hope this helps.

maybe you want someone good to learn from? my rating is not very high on this site but i'm decent and willing to help you with chess if you want to challenge me...

You can also try challenging me. I am not really that good at chess. But i can play chess well.

Cheers for the info and offers guys - I'll add you both as friends if that's ok, ready to take ya up on a game or two in the near future.