Learning Chess

Hi everyone! I'm really impressed by this community...what a great site!

I'm just beginning to learn chess and was wondering if there are any stronger players out there who wouldn't mind playing some games and perhaps providing feedback to help me along the early stages of development?

I'm sort of stuck in a strange mental dilemma where I'm reluctant to play a lot until I have a better understanding of how to play more solidly, but can't get there without playing and analyzing my games...sort of a "catch-22". I think if I had a few friendly people to play with who I could learn from, then perhaps I'd be more confident in playing random games. That must sound strange to many of you since this is a naturally competitive arena, but it's how I feel at the moment.

Watching videos, reading books and doing tactics have all been beneficial to me so far, but I keep wishing I had someone to help in these early stages. I don't know anyone locally who plays chess OTB, and though I have considered taking formal lessons, I don't think I'm far enough along to start making large investments in this new-found hobby.

If anyone feels inclined to spend a little time playing unrated games and perhaps providing a few pointers to a newbie that would be great! Feel free to message me...I could use a chess friend or two. =)

Thanks!

Okay for me. Maybe we can rather play a differed chess game and we will discuss easily there (like 5 days/1 move). You just share your thoughts, and will do my best to be helpfull. If other players are interested, feel free to contact me. Cheers.

Didn't want to start a new post, so I'm bumping this one. Still looking for someone to play slow-paced friendly games and maybe analyze them afterwards. Would also be good to get to know another newbie and maybe we can navigate the learning process together. I'm on most evenings 7-11 PM EST, doing mostly tactics and watching streams etc. I haven't seen Davdebrux in a while and it looks like his account is closed now. My board vision is definitely getting a bit better since my original post, but still finding chess (and all there is to learn) a bit intimidating.

I'll get there at some point though! =)

Hi,

I would like to be your training partner.

Send me a challenge for unrated correspondence game. Also I do free coaching so you can PM me your timezone (I see you are in EST?) and what time works for you to get something started (100% free lessons). Ill give credit where credit is deserved and recommend a paid coach DrHack. He is much higher rated and more experienced than I am.

send me a message to study chess via skype... need a chess partner

Does watching a football, basketball, baseball, or MMA Help you become better at it? When you can answer honestly, you'll at least know the path you need to avoid.

Coaches I would recommend here is @Sparklehorse , @dpruess , @Lance5500

Crazy House coaches: @Atrophied , @Toadofsky

These guys could get anyone from A to Z 100x's faster than if you were to try and do it alone like Chessnetwork did. If you do it alone your chances become very low of being the chess player you could be with a coach/coaches like the ones i've suggested. I don't know if they are accepting students atm but you can always ask for first dibs for when they do again.

I totally agree that a coach would accelerate the learning process, though I don't think I'm yet at a point where I could justify the cost. I'm still feeling my way through the early stages of this new hobby and I'm not yet ready to make a substantial financial commitment to it. I'm also a REALLY slow learner, so I'm comfortable at this point to just absorb what I can at my own pace until I feel like I have a better grasp what works for me and what doesn't.

Doing tactics is definitely helping...I can see combinations more clearly/quickly than I could when I started a few months ago. I think watching videos has helped me to understand certain concepts and has improved my overall chess vocabulary, but I can't say it will contribute much to my play since I'm not really playing a lot yet. I think in my case, a slow and steady approach better suits my personality, though I have to give a shout out to Lichess player "humans" for nudging me out of my comfort zone the last few times we've collaborated. Everyone needs a little push I suppose...including me!

Thanks for all the great replies!

Cool, thank you for opening up to us. Everyone has good information but only some will work for you. I suggest playing opening that you like. When you first start out in chess you need to give chance a real chance. I feel like watch you fall in love with the game and can't get away from it you will start to respect the game more. When you respect something you tend to treat better and put more effort into it. Chess is like a parent that shows tough love in almost every game. You just have to really learn that losing can help you more than winning ever has in the game of chess. When you're able to pick out your flaws you will be able to improve substantially. I'm doing my best to follow my own advice. I will always be learning chess no matter how high I am rated. Stay strong bro!