I have recently been learning how to play a game which has bothered me now for many years, and that is the game of chess. I have always looked at people playing parks and online and just been so jealous that they are able to play this game even though I couldn’t, and I always figured that because I was taught at a young age how to play, tat I would somehow be automatically discounted from ever being good at it, that is at least what I told myself. I decided recently however to give this game a go and whilst I am completely and utterly clueless, I am having a great time learning. If you want to learn how to play too, here are some tips on doing exactly that.
Buddy Up
I have actually been playing with a very good friend of mine and an amazing chess player himself, Javier Burillo. Javier used to always invite me to play on a chess app and to be honest I think I was probably scared of realizing just how bad I was, but eventually I bit the bullet and he has been a great teacher for me. If you do have a friend who plays then I would really recommend that you buddy up with them so they can help you out.
Don’t Stress
In most games that you learn for the first time you may feel a little foolish but with chess, given that it’s a game which is widely considered to be played by intellectuals, you are going to feel even more stupid. This is perfectly natural and you just have to get through this difficult period and pay attention to the lessons that you are learning. Don’t worry if you lose or if you feel a bit out of place, keep pushing and keep making those mistakes, this is the only way in which you can truly learn.
Puzzles
Something which I have found very beneficial when using chess apps is the challenges which they can give you that help you to get out of certain situations. There are hundreds and thousands of potential situations and what these little quizzes do will be to give you the situation and then you have to find your way out of it. The beauty of this is that you can just keep trying until you figure it out, thus getting better in the process.
Moves Ahead
The key to understanding chess, and the reason why it is seemingly a game of intellect is that you must think many moves ahead, consider what the other person may do and then what your reaction to those possibilities may be. This is how to get really good and at this beginner stage, but remember not to put too much pressure on yourself in getting there, it will come.
Stay patient, stay hungry and learn from mistakes, that is how you will get to a comfortable level.
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