Common Questions by Beginning Players

1. What is a good age to start teaching my child to play chess? Two years old if student able to sit still.

2. What are some tips on learning to play chess? for children? for teenagers? for adults? Learn move on a real chess board, rather than from a book.

3. Can you recommend some helpful books for a beginner? My System by Aron Nimzovich.

4. Which phase of the game should I study the most? Middlegame (because it can make amends for a poor opening play.

5. What are some sound opening principles to follow?  Get pawn to d4 and e4 early and Knights to f3 and c3, until you can comprehend hypermodern play.

6. Do you recommend computer chess programs for learning chess? Definitely… set to beginner level.

7. What are the benefits of playing in tournaments? To get one's nerves under control. In my first tourney I got gastrointestinal problems which did not return in my next tourney.

8. Is there a particular etiquette for tournaments? Do not speak to opponent except when appropriate. Do not bump the table repeatedly, and other annoying things too numerous to mention.

9. I'm tired of losing. What can I do to get better? Study opening book to understand what types of position come out of certain openings and find the style of play that suits your temperament.

10. How many moves should I think ahead? At least two, but this may increase to three to four moves in complicated positions where not many pieces have been exchanged.


Common Questions by Intermediate Players

1. How do I choose an opening repertoire? Try different openings to find on that suits your temperament.

2. Is it a good practice to memorize openings? Good for mental concentration, and if it leads to positions your are comfortable with.

3. How do I know which pieces to trade? Trade ones that increase your control or at least leave you equal in a position.

4. Which phase of the game should I study the most? (opening, middlegame, endgame) Evaluate type of position that may arise and make your choice.

5. What can I do to improve my tactical vision? Study opening traps to understand the principles behind them.

6. Why study endgames if my games don't last that long? Best players eventually realize that it's difficult to blow away everybody early. Get mentally tough.

7. Can you recommend some helpful books for an intermediate player? My System

8. Should I play blitz chess? Internet chess? For fun and for being comfortable in time scrambles… not for serious learning.

9. Is it a good idea to use computer programs to analyze my games? Yes, after you have done your own analysis. The computer may find a hidden resource.

10. How can I avoid time pressure? Play openings you know well, it saves a bunch of time!!!


Common Question by non-Master Players

What methods did you use to become a chess master? How long did it take?

I am an "A" player. I got there by playing higher rated opponents (Candidate Masters and Masters).


Submitted: 27 August 2006