Learning the rules of chess isn't enough to win games. You also need to know what the pieces are worth relative to each other, how to recognize a game where neither side can win, how your objectives change as pieces are exchanged, and what makes the difference between good and bad moves.
To learn more about chess positions and moves using the web, you need to learn chess notation, like e4 and Nc5. It's not difficult and it opens the door to deeper explanations about tactics and strategies.
Here are the first steps to a fuller enjoyment of the game and to eventual mastery.
1. The Value of the Pieces
Knowing what is a fair trade of pieces is crucial to conducting a successful chess game. There are major pieces and minor pieces. What does winning the exchange mean? Examples of equal trades.
2. How to Spot a Draw
Some games have no winner. Here's how to identify perpetual check, triple repetition, insufficient mating material, and the 50 move rule. Many draws are by mutual agreement.
3. About Chess Positions and Chess Moves
Chess notation gives us the means to discuss chess positions and chess moves on the web, in books and magazines, even over the phone. The most commonly used notation is algebraic (example: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3), but it's useful to know the older descriptive notation (1.P-K4 P-K4 2.N-KB3). Notation also allows us to discuss the geometry of the chessboard, like ranks, files, diagonals, and center squares.
4. Openings, Middle Games, and Endgames
Your strategy depends on knowing the phase of the game that you're in. The three basic phases are the opening, the middle game, and the endgame. The correct transition from one phase to another can mean the difference between a win and a draw -- or a draw and a loss.
5. Tactical Play
Tactics, the heart of chess, are based on the way the pieces move. The most common tactical themes -- the fork, the pin, discovered attack, discovered check, and the xray -- are all based on the double attack.
6. Strategical Play
When there are no tactics, positional play is the main factor. You have to pay attention to the center, open lines, piece activity, pawn structure, and King safety. Do you know how to tell a good position from a bad one?
7. Positions with only a Few Pieces
You've reached a position where there are almost no pieces left on the board. Do you know how to notch the win or how to escape with a draw?
8. Where to Play Chess
Looking for places to play chess? Play against a computer, in a club, in a tournament, or online. Here are tips, links, and resources to find more information.9. Chess Equipment
Chess can fit any budget. Unless you're a blindfold whiz, a board and pieces are the bare minimum. Add a clock for serious or blitz games, a few other accessories for tournament use, and you're ready for action.
