Friday, April 10, 2009

Seven tips for a novice to become an expert in chess

Chess is one of the oldest games played in this world and has withstood the test of time. The game is as fascinating as it was 300 years ago, and the new innovations in computer technology have only increased the fascination for the game. The beauty of the game lies in the variations it offers. It is a mind game between two players. A lot of books, materials and advice are available for any person to learn and play chess. But, there is no clear cut set pattern to the game, apart from the basic rules and elements of the game that one should be aware of to play chess. In actual play, each and every move is a challenge in itself. The more you learn in the game of chess, the more will be your thirst and one cannot simply swim over the ocean of the game. Many beginners, in their initial stage, make some trivial mistakes and their aspirations for higher levels in chess soon vanishes. That is more so in case you, as a beginner, do not get more opportunities to say "check mate" to your opponent.

If you avoid making mistakes, the chances are that your percentage of victories will gradually rise and so will your interest to learn more and excel.

Some of the suggestions or steps that should be borne in mind while playing chess are listed here :

Tip #1: Think twice before making a move. If it were to take a little extra time, no issues about that. Normally beginners tend to make the mistake of acting in haste. You should avoid that at all costs, so that the probability of mistakes is reduced to the minimum.

Tip #2: Plan a series of chess strategies and tactics in advance. Tactics and Strategy are not one and the same. Tactics is to achieve a short term target such as capturing the opponent's queen or controlling centre. Strategy is one which will pave you to success. A series of tactics might result in one strategy. As such, you should have to plan atleast three moves in advance. Once you master this, the first step becomes easier as you continue playing.

Tip #3: Make castling as early as possible

Tip #4: Never sacrifice your piece for one whose value is relatively less than the one sacrificed. That is, do not lose your rook to capture a pawn or a knight.

Tip #5: Always try to protect your Queen. Again, if given a choice whether to sacrifice a bishop or a knight, prefer a knight for sacrifice and retain the bishop.

Tip #6: You should develop pieces in both sides - that is queenside as well as kingside. If you advance pieces at only one of the two sides, your defense might be exposed. As such, it is essential that effective defense should be there to protect your king and other pieces in the board.

Tip #7: Do not act in haste and carry out attacks over the opposition King. Plan your stragies and moves, have a solid defense and wait for the opponent to make mistakes before initiating attacks.

If you make use of these above tips and implement judiciously, you are sure to say "check mate" more frequently and your overall skill in the game will improve vastly.

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