Ok, I'm not that good really, but want to get better. I can hold my own on white (meaning I can work well against others that are as bad as I am!!) and seem to understand the principles behind the move. Maybe not always, but enough to satisfy myself for the time being.
However, when the tables are turned and I play black, I get wiped quickly. For some reason I can't seem to grasp black that well. I don't know if it's because of the whole mirror image thing or the fact that I can't go first or what...I was wondering, what kind of things can I do or study to improve my position on black? Are there certain openings or defense that I can have a look at that will help me or books about being black?
This is driving me crazy, I just don't see a reason for my lack of efficiency on black...
TIA.
Originally posted by tsantsaIt's a racial conspiracy.
Ok, I'm not that good really, but want to get better. I can hold my own on white (meaning I can work well against others that are as bad as I am!!) and seem to understand the principles behind the move. Maybe not always, but enough to satisfy myself for the time being.
However, when the tables are turned and I play black, I get wiped quickly. For som ...[text shortened]... is is driving me crazy, I just don't see a reason for my lack of efficiency on black...
TIA.
Two bits of advice.
Firstly, before you make a move, stop and look to see if any of your pieces are going to be immediately lost. A quick review of your matches displayed a veritable bounty of knights and bishops given away free of charge. Taking an extra 30 seconds to review each of your pieces (knights, bishops, rooks, queen) before you click on "Move" should save you a lot of "oopses."
Secondly, the black pieces are somewhat more challenging. White will immediately stake his claim on the central squares, and will be one move ahead in bringing out his men. Consequently, you cannot afford to waste moves as black. Make only those pawn moves that are necessary to fight for the center or to open lines for your bishops. Bring your knights and bishops out quickly and get them to active squares. Get castled and get your rooks to files that you think may become open. You are in a race as black, get your men out quickly and efficiently.
I like the extra challenge of the black pieces myself. I've recently come to RHP, and of my 24 games, I have taken black in 22 of them. I find it makes me fight harder, and not feel "entitled" to win.
I have found that the only difference between White & Black is the amount of influence White has on choosing the type of game to be played. Many newer players, not yet attuned to the grand strategies, do not realize this and therefore never challenge White in the type of game and therefore do not contest White's initiative.
Approach each match as Black as a learning experience; try to identify the opening of your opponent; contemplate what you would do if you were in the position of White; practice, practice & practice some more.
I would believe that most, if not all, beginners have some trepidation learning to play Black.
Originally posted by CuriousShadowThanks for the tips CuriousShadow. I get a little ahead of myself sometimes. Obviously. I can see what I'd like to do but I have trouble seeing what they are doing. Don't know why.
Two bits of advice.
Firstly, before you make a move, stop and look to see if any of your pieces are going to be immediately lost. A quick review of your matches displayed a veritable bounty of knights and bishops given away free of charge. Taking an extra 30 seconds to review each of your pieces (knights, bishops, rooks, queen) before you click on ...[text shortened]...
I would believe that most, if not all, beginners have some trepidation learning to play Black.
Fersboo: I have wondered that since white wants to set the type of game, what if and how can black change that? Let's say white starts e4. Standard tactical opening if my reading has been correct. (?) White wants black to play e5. But he gets c6 instead. In that case, does white then go into his opening theory and then try to set the type of game again but now with the second move? And does black then decide if he wants to play along with that opening or throw another monkey wrench into the fire trying to stammer whites advances?
I guess thats a mouthful of rookie questions, but those are the main things that I have been wondering about lately during games.
Originally posted by tsantsaYou have the psychological problem of playing optimistically. You desire for your plan to succeed too much and therefore you will "close your eyes" to your opponent's prospects . I have learned to give at least equal time for my opponent's potential plans and threats.
Thanks for the tips CuriousShadow. I get a little ahead of myself sometimes. Obviously. I can see what I'd like to do but I have trouble seeing what they are doing. Don't know why.
Originally posted by UmbrageOfSnowi hate the french, learn the sicilian. it's better. the french sucks.
play the french defense, a lot of people respond with the exchange when they dont know much about it, I have had good results playing against it. I love the french(defense that is)
don't bother getting into opening theory until you can at least stop putting pieces en prise and losing pieces to the most elemental tactical shots.
just follow basic opening principles. check the following guide to opening principles:
http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman53.pdf
it's no use memorising 10 moves into the sicilian if you lose your queen to a simple knight fork next move.
