Common Questions by Beginning Players

1. What is a good age to start teaching my child to play chess? It really depends. In general, I would say that a child can start as early as age four. However, what's most important is the environment he or she is in. There must be intense exposure and it's important that they be around other children... at least in the initial stages.

2. What are some tips on learning to play chess? for children? for teenagers? for adults? One good tip would be to join a chess club of some kind so that you are in a place where you can test yourself and improve. Children learn better among other children, so it's best to allow them to explore. Teenagers need a bit more structure, but should learn in a competitive environment. Adult egos are a bit more fragile and they should learn in a quiet environment with more self-paced activities.

3. Can you recommend some helpful books for a beginner? Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess is still a best-seller, but I would say that books by coaches like Bruce Pandolfini and Jeremy Silman would be appropriate. John Nunn is also good. Whatever book is chosen make sure it is simple and go through it from cover-to-cover.

4. Which phase of the game should I study the most? At the beginning level, I would say the opening phase should take priority. One should study general chess knowledge in all phases of the game, but familiarize yourself with the first several moves of all the basic openings, then narrow your openings down to a chosen few. It's very important to learn the "traps" associated with the openings you choose. In games featuring beginning players, mistakes are frequently made within the first several moves.

5. What are some sound opening principles to follow?  Follow the usual  rules of development found in any basic book or website. Control center with you pawns and develop your minor pieces early. Furthermore, make sure your pieces are coordinated and that they have many options.

6. Do you recommend computer chess programs for learning chess? Personally, I don't recommend them for learning chess... only as a learning aide. I do believe that programs such as Maurice Ashley Teaches Chess and ChessMaster are good learning aides. However, I'm partial to a beginner playing and learning from humans as much as possible. Use the computer programs as a complementary learning aide.

7. What are the benefits of playing in tournaments?  From an adult standpoint, you learn more about your character. For a child, I would say that social development is the greatest benefit. There is nothing more fun than scholastic chess.

8. Is there a particular etiquette for tournaments?  SCHOLASTIC PLAYERS… If you arrive at the board first, always set up the opponents pieces before the game. I've seen players sittings at the board with only one side set up. After the round starts, offer a handshake... if you have to eat or drink, do it quietly or away from the board... do not slam the pieces even if your opponent does this… do not talk to your opponent. There are many ways to resign a game, but NEVER leave the board and let your clock run out. One common method is to stop the clock, say 'I resign,' and offer a handshake.

9. I'm tired of losing. What can I do to get better? Go over your games with a friend of equal strength. The exchange of ideas is usually better and you will feel more comfortable expressing your thoughts. Then go and research the opening and search for similar games in books and databases. Then consult with a much stronger player.

10. How many moves should I think ahead? This varies from player to player, but I will say that it's more important to have a plan FIRST. Then choose the move that is consistent with your plan. Consistency is important and it is usually a bad idea to mix plans. Make sure you can think one move ahead before you can think several moves ahead. It's better to go one move down the right path than seven moves down the wrong path.


Common Questions by Intermediate Players

1. How do I choose an opening repertoire? It depends a lot on your personality and style of play. I would say that one should play blitz chess and experiment with different systems. One good technique is to get a practice partner and study a key opening. After studying that opening, play several games of blitz with that opening theme, switching colors each game. I had such a session many years ago and I still remember some of the analysis!

2. Is it a good practice to memorize openings? Some memorization is required, but it's more important to understand the reasoning behind moves. Too many times, a player would memorize a 20-move variation, but when his opponent plays a different move, it's hard to figure these things out over the board without thorough understanding.

3. How do I know which pieces to trade? This comes with experience. The typical rules is to trade poorly-placed pieces for well-placed pieces. This is easier said than done. In other words trade off pieces with the least amount of potential movement. My high school coach also gave me some useful advice long ago... "When you're winning, trade pieces; when you're losing trade pawns."

4. Which phase of the game should I study the most? (opening, middlegame, endgame) For an intermediate player, understanding middlegame tactics, which formations lead to an attack and knowing which endgames are favorable is most important. As you get stronger, opening mistakes are less frequent and endgames should become the central focus since games will begin to last longer. One should also study basic pawn endings followed by rook and pawn endings.

5. What can I do to improve my tactical vision? Study tactical combinations as much as possible... play blitz matches with an equally strong or slightly better player. This way you get to see a lot of positions and patterns. In positions where you're on the verge of winning, take your time. If you find a tactical continuation, try analyzing it in different move orders… it can make the difference between mate and letting your opponent escape!  Tactical blows do not always involve a sacrifice, capture or check!

6. Why study endgames if my games don't last that long? Former World Champion Anatoly Karpov once said, "It should be noted that current opening variations come and go, and the evaluation of certain positions change. But the value of knowing how to play endgames well remains constant." Endgame knowledge allows you to steer for certain positions as early as the first five moves. As you get stronger, your games will last longer.

7. Can you recommend some helpful books for an intermediate player? A classic book that I liked was the 1953 Zurich tournament... extensive analysis in an easy to follow format. There are more recent books, but annotated tournament books are great. I also recommend choosing a player who's style you admire and buy his or her collected games. Get books with a lot of explanation in the analysis.

8. Should I play blitz chess? Internet chess? You should play blitz chess, but use it to suit a purpose. Use it to refine your opening repertoire, improve tactical vision, or to help with time management. Avoid playing 1-minute chess and don't play "bughouse" during tournaments. These are fun activities, but can be harmful to your overall play. By all means do not play chess for money because you will get into the habit of gambling chess for the money as opposed to improving. I see many instances of gamblers winning a bunch of blitz games (on time) from busted positions. They seem to be happy to play poor chess as long as they are winning money! Internet chess can be used the same way, except people have been caught cheating in online chess. Play humans whenever you can.

9. Is it a good idea to use computer programs to analyze my games? Database programs are excellent tools, but in my opinion, it has made us a bit lazy. We are able to go through hundreds of games in an hour, but the days of spending two hours on one game in an Informant are practically gone. Thankfully, we still have magazines like NEW IN CHESS. Database programs are great for annotating your personal games and preparation, but do not rely on them too heavily. Try to find a balance that works.

10. How can I avoid time pressure? Get proper rest... your mind gets foggy when tired. Try not to question your ideas. Play in a way that you're comfortable. Do not change your opening right before a round of play. You'll get into time pressure trying to figure out a system you don't know. If you get into time pressure and you are winning, your opponent will try to make quick trades. Avoid this and make solid moves with your pieces protecting each other. NEVER play quickly to make your opponent lose on time... you may blunder. I saw Grandmaster Joel Benjamin hang a bishop when trying to make an opponent's flag fall in a dead drawn position.


Common Question by non-Master Players

What methods did you use to become a chess master? How long did it take? I never officially made U.S. National Master despite possessing promise in my junior days. Here's some advice for the scholastic players… play as much as you can now and accomplish your goals before life gets in the way. For me, it was my studies; for others, it may be job obligations, family matters, or simply decreased interest. Get your titles while you can!!

Submitted: 23 February 2004