[Sicilian_Esq]

I've been playing nearly non-stop for the last two months. I known the rules of how to play for years, but have only recently tried to play online.

I play several games a day, have spent a few hours playing a tactics trainer, and have read several articles.

Is there any way for me to get decent at this game without having to collect unemployment?

Please advise.

[KillerShark1985]

Originally Posted by Sicilian_Esq

I've been playing nearly non-stop for the last two months. I known the rules of how to play for years, but have only recently tried to play online.

I play several games a day, have spent a few hours playing a tactics trainer, and have read several articles.

Is there any way for me to get decent at this game without having to collect unemployment?

Please advise.

Go out and buy a top chess game like Chess Master 2000, on its hardest setting its near impossible to beat.

The when you play online have the chass game running when you play on its hardest setting with a game set up against the computer.

Then what ever move your opponent plays against you online, copy the move into the game as if it was your move, then see what the computer does and then copy the computer's move and play it against your online opponent.

You will kick ass every time online just buy copying the computer, as that game is near unbeatable, the best your opponent will do is get a draw if they are an absolute chess mater, or cheating themselves with the same software.

May sound like cheating but after time you will get used to what the computer game does move wise, if you play like that for 6 months to a year, everyday several games per day, you will learn from the computer and eventually be able to stop cheating with the computer, but you will still have months of experience watch and following its moves and should have hopefully learned a lot from it.

[JuggNuttz]

practice.... back in HS i always got study hall with a chess coach/german teacher, and he let us play chess. I acually got pretty good, had usually 3 scenarios running in my head and thinking 3-4 moves ahead for each one, and was beating some of the chess club kids. now.... i look at a chess board with its peices in the starting position and i get a headache......

i also think what helped the best was being around people and talkiing it through before and after games, and sometimes the coach would come over watch a few moves and ask what we were thinking, and then give his advice. So if you have on of those parks near ya where people play chess or even some sort of chess club, try and get in on that. i think accual human interaction when learning a cerebral game like this is more beneficial.

just my thought is all.

[americanfighter]

I am pretty good beat most of my friends learn openings. take the time to watch and learn the english opening or Queens Gambit (for white) and Sicilian defense (for black). For beginners and opening is a series of about 4 to 6 moves that helps you either build up a good defense or take the center of the board. once you have completed the opening and have the center of the board remember to think 2 or 3 moves ahead not just one and opportunities will present themselves to you.

english opening
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L177r53VsPA

queens gambit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdHWAuQRG7E

Sicilian defense
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5KFk1RtGvA

there are tons of variations to these but just stick to the base for the time and try to adapt.

hope those help

[KnockinUout]

Chess is skill and patience. It only takes time and lots of practice.

[Lusi]

Lots of practice. I would also focus on big-picture strategy rather than memorizing moves (Yasser Seriwan's old book "Play Winning Chess", for example).

Also, learn how to use pawns at all times and the common ways to checkmate someone during the endgame.

[smittyssports]

I don't play often but it is a good game to challenge your brain with. I would recommend the same as others, purchase a quality game and play it and you will improve.

[_RIVAL_]

it's all in practice and reading and learning methods of attack and strategy...