Anyone can learn how to play a decent chess game, but to be good takes more effort and a keen dedication to learning more than just how each piece moves. Here is a guide to becoming a better chess player:
Learn the value of each piece – While this isn't exactly a winning strategy, you should use the value of chess pieces as a guideline when making your moves. A pawn is worth a point. Bishops and knights are worth three, and a rook is worth five. The queen is the weightiest, at nine points. All these values tell you is that you should not sacrifice pieces unless you have a clear cut win. Values, on the other hand, are relative, because in some positions, pieces with lesser value are stronger than those with higher values. This is why you should only use them as a guideline instead of a winning strategy.
Understand your own gameplay – There are typically two ways people play chess. Some use strong defense and an aggressive attack style. Others capitalize, instantly seizing opportunities from mistakes that the opponent makes by developing positions quickly. Neither is better than the other, but leaning to one style is good, if you can learn how to adjust your play depending on the situation. Remember that chess is a game of wit and tactics, first and foremost.
Enter tournaments – There is nothing more fulfilling than entering your very first tournament. If you feel like you are ready to take on good players in a tournament setting, don't hesitate to sign up. Tournaments are great places to kick butt and get your butt kicked in an honorable way.
Hit the local chess club – Joining a local chess club is a great way to pick battles with people who are in the same skill level or who are better than you. One thing you should remember about the game of chess is that you will never get better if you keep on playing people who are clearly below your handicap. Losing to good players is often the best way to learn how to adjust your strategy and find ways to beat them next time. If you don't have access to a local club, turn to the web. A lot of online communities that specialize in chess exist, including online schools where you can your learn the game and improve skills and enjoy a community of passionate players who have been brought together by the game that you love.
About the author:
Albert Fishman has been involved in teaching chess since 1996 and is part of the IchessU coaching staff.
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About the Author
IchessU Joined: September 8th, 2012 Articles Posted: 80
