Proud Patzer

Submitted by Dan_V on Mon, 06/30/2008 at 11:46am.

Hello fellow chessters. My name is Dan. My 7-yr old joined his school chess club this Spring 08'. Not much teaching though. Not being much help (I didn't even know how to castle or about En Passant), I bought The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess. It was a great beginners book.

I'm going thru a book on tactics & on openings now. I hope to volunteers at the school chess club in the fall so I'm trying to learn as much as I can. What an awesome game though - I am really enjoying it! I just wish I could learn faster - I am really taking my lumps in "live chess" & on yahoo games.

If there are any would be mentors out there, I would love to set up on-line games & get your input/coaching/advice as we play the game.

Thanks!

Dan

» posted in dvaud's Blog

| 177 reads | 3 comments

Comments:

by girolamo - 5 months ago
Casoria/Roma Italy

Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 48

Your kid(s) should be very proud of you. Great job!

In my short experience, the best learning method for chess is first studying the base principles of the three main phases (opening, middlegame, endgame) and then apply yourself to the analisys of (at least) the most common openings and endings. That's what definitely tells a good chess player from an amateur!

Finally, I'm not a great player (yet!), but if I can contribute anyway to your noble effort, I'd be happy of it.

by Dan_V - 6 months ago
Gainesville, Florida United States

Member Since: Jun 2008
Member Points: 173

Thanks for your input. I am taking advantage of the 3 free Tactics trainer per day as well as the chess puzzle of the day. I also have read through some articles. I have two books right now, one on tactics & one on openings (blacks responses to e4). I am hoping to speed up my learning process by finding an advanced player willing to play me in an on-line game as a coach - that is ask me about why I made certain moves, correct mistakes as I make them, give better moves & reasons why, etc. If anyone out there is willing to help, we can set up a game for whatever time period you are willing (3 to 14 day responses).

Dan

by Evil_Homer - 6 months ago
Dublin Ireland

Member Since: Aug 2007
Member Points: 1546

Why don't you play some correspondence games as well as Live chess. As you will have more time to make moves, you will be better able to analyse positions and learn from your mistakes.

Some players will also give you hints and tips along the way.

In addition to this, you could also avail of the Tactics Trainer and Chess Mentor facilities available on the site.

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