Is there a consensus of what is the best area of concentrated study for a beginner? I know I shouldn't memorize all the openings, maybe a few lines of one or two, or so I've read. How about endgame? I've read, "Start at the End." Tactics? Strategy? Something Else?
I'm a little uncertain as to how to proceed. Any advice is appreciated. If there is a previous thread on the topic and someone remembers the title, I'll be glad to look it up.
thanks,
Eagle
If you are looking for a consensus, you probably come to the wrong place. 😉
I'd advise anyone on less than say 1400 rating here, that the very best study (for rapid improvement) is tactics. I know my own game probably moved ~200 after going through the problems in the book "The mammoth book of chess" by George Burgess (if memory serves).
This book is very useful for the beginner as it also covers anything else - briefly.
Tactics is the place I'd suggest. However knowing about endgame techniques (initiative as the very least) is needed to convert that game that was won with tactics to a checkmate. Make sure you can win a won King and Pawn vs. King endgame. The pawnless endgames come up less but are still worth knowing (excluding the bishop and knight one. I still can't do that one without having to think about it for ages).
Thank you both, SDH and Xanthos.
Digging through several very old games I've played here, from when I was still so new to chess I still squeeked, two very capable players suggested focusing primarily on tactics as well. See, I knew a consensus would develop! 😀
Xanthos, yes, the king/pawn vs. king ending is one I'm looking at thoroughly as well. The oppositon/critical squares lesson is invaluable!
Study the pieces. Study them carefully.
Get to know the tallest first, then move on to the shorter ones. Learn which chessmen can be stood upside-down without falling over. Are some nicer to look at than others? Why?
And most importantly, if the board is shaken vigorously, which pieces survive the longest before ending up on the carpet?
Originally posted by eagles54Don't do endgames. I still haven't studied them. I know I need to, but you can get deep into the 1600s without it.
Is there a consensus of what is the best area of concentrated study for a beginner? I know I shouldn't memorize all the openings, maybe a few lines of one or two, or so I've read. How about endgame? I've read, "Start at the End." Tactics? Strategy? Something Else?
I'm a little uncertain as to how to proceed. Any advice is appreciated. If there is a ...[text shortened]... ead on the topic and someone remembers the title, I'll be glad to look it up.
thanks,
Eagle
Just makes sure to develop your Bishops and Knights and to castle ASAP, and then attack your opponent very aggressively. Pay attention to why your attacks don't work, and pay special attention to times when your opponent attacks you and it works.
I've plugged this program before, but those threads have sunk so deep into the quagmire these forums are, it's unlikely they'll be dragged up.
If you're looking for a program that takes you from the very beginnings to a fairly advanced level, consider buying TASC. It contains a five step program that introduces different elements of the game in a logical order. It focuses mainly on tactics, but doesn't forget to introduce positional elements. TASC is based on a program developed by two Dutch (grand?)masters, and you only have to take a look at the player tables to see how succesful those Dutch are at learning each other how to play chess.
I complemented the different steps of the program with lots of additional exercises and playing over grandmaster games.
You can find more information on http://www.chesshouse.com/chess/A216.htm , for example.
Originally posted by BowmannIs this what you live for? Try playing chess if you're looking for a real life. Anything's got to be better than what you've got going at the moment.
Study the pieces. Study them carefully.
Get to know the tallest first, then move on to the shorter ones. Learn which chessmen can be stood upside-down without falling over. Are some nicer to look at than others? Why?
And most importantly, if the board is shaken vigorously, which pieces survive the longest before ending up on the carpet?
If you study tactics, you will find yourself winning a lot more games. I recommend Winning Chess Tactics by Seirawan. It's basically the only book you need on the subject. After you get comfortable with tactics, switch to middlegame study while building up your select openings. This shouldn't take very long unless you find yourself stuck somewhere. Finally, study endgames, especially rook and pawn endgames. This will probably take some time and effort (particularly endgames,) but you will see drastic improvement in your game.
Thanks for all the very informed opinions. It's cool to be able to gain insight from people willing to share their experience to help someone new.
Even someone that's maturation-challenged can bring some theatre-of-the-absurd style comic relief to the festivities.
It's all good. 😀
Originally posted by Bowmannso start with the king and queen then work down to pawns, thats solid advice.
Study the pieces. Study them carefully.
Get to know the tallest first, then move on to the shorter ones. Learn which chessmen can be stood upside-down without falling over. Are some nicer to look at than others? Why?
And most importantly, if the board is shaken vigorously, which pieces survive the longest before ending up on the carpet?
which can be stood upside down? well thats almost always the rooks and nothing else.
the non rook and pawn pieces are always the nicer looking, depending on the set the knight will have the most detail, on some very decorative chess sets it is the queen and king with the most detail. they are nicer looking because of added detail.
i find that the pawns survive the longest, due to their stout stability and shear numbers.
now to sit back and watch my rating roll on up. seriously though i thought your post was pretty funny but just felt like doing this.