Why does it seems so hard....?

Question

for me to learn how to play chess? I want to know how to become a better chess player. Can you offer me any advise?

Answer 1

I am not a master chess player, but reading a book on it will help.  I usually use my pawns as ploy to keep my good pieces from being taken.  Remember, if you can get a pawn to the other side, you can get one of your good pieces back.  It is a strategic game of chance.  Good luck.

Answer 2

The first thing at the beginning of the game is try to get the pieces in the back to get out into a position where they aren't trapped by your own pawns. That way you're open to use them. Try to force the opponent to make moves to defend their good pieces while at the same time mobilizing your better pieces.

Answer 3

Learning when you are older is a lot harder, so don't worry if it takes time. Jacob is learning and starting to get good, so now I am worried!

Get an idiots guide. They will tell you all you need-passive play, agressive play, first ten moves-all you need to know.

The MAIN thing is don't play games against a grandmaster (or someone much better than you)as will be using moves like un pasant! You won't learn a thing and you be despondant. Play someone of your own calibre-there are lots of rooms on the internet for beginners and you will learn to read peoples moves easier. If you need to think about your move, take your time-it means you are learning.

It is an amazing game and if you put the hours in, you will start to win.

And when you get good, then you can play me!

Hold on you're American-Ask Bobby Fischer! sorry, chess joke.

Answer 4

1) buy a general, easy to read chess book

"The complete idiots guide to Chess" by Patrick Wolff is a fantastic book to get a grip on the game. I would imagine a similar book- Chess for Dummies, would be on par, but I have never read it. Both are general books on the game taking you from the very basics to more in depth parts without a lot of technical jargon and complexities.

2) Eliminate your mistakes!

After you have decided on a move ALWAYS do a quick check, and ask yourself these three questions, in this order:

If I make this move can my opponent put my king in check?

If I make this move can my opponent take any of my pieces.

If I make this move can my opponent threaten to take any of my pieces?

If there is a problem, you may need to pick a better move.

Do this after you think you have found your move. (while picking your move is good too, but the final check is even better)

3) dont make your moves in a minute or two- really think about them. Gameknot.com is a great online website, and is not "real-time", so you have as much time as you like to move.

4) play daily, or as often as you can.

5) Get off to a good start: in the first 8-12 moves:

  a. do not make more than two to three pawn moves (unless there is absolute reason for another)

  b. make moves that let you "attack" the center of the board. Think of the center of the board as prime property - make your claim, and quick!

  c. A good rule of thumb is, move your knights first then bishops.

  d. most games dont require moving out your queen till later in the game. The exposed queen is just a target.

  e. Be sure to castle your king- he must get to a safe place to the side!!

Most important.. Do not get discouraged!!! It is not a game for gifted geniuses. Anyone can be good at the game. Try to find some people who play at about the same level as you, you must learn what works to let you win! Getting your butt handed to you by some advanced player doesnt teach anything but how to loose,... unless you are willing to invest a good amount of time studying the game to see how they did it.  After a while you will get more wins with time.