Can You Play Chess?

[sunflower68]

I have never learnt to play chess; I have always seen it as one of those things like being right or left handed - you either do or don't.

I spent this afternoon being taught the game by my 7 year old and it really is not that taxing. However we do need some help with a simplified version of the basics of the game as I know we are not playing 'full throttle' . Anyone got any simple tips? Help in remembering what the pieces can do?

[spacechimp]

Firstly, of course it's not taxing playing an average (no insult intended) 7 year old. Secondly, http://www.chesscorner.com/tutorial/learn.htm and there is some information here too http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess

[sunflower68]

I know what you mean spacechimp! As I said we were not playing the highbrow adult way and were not really knowing the rules. Did not mean to offend but thankyou for the links they will be really useful :)

[Lonnie]

I've been playing Chess for years, i've not looked at the above links, but it really is an easy game to learn, everything else comes with practice, and learning from your mistakes,eg, if you've made a bad move, look at it and see if you can see where you went wrong, First learn the names of the pieces, the moves of each, and the objective.

You can get books and other aids for the beginner fairly cheaply, if you haven't got a book, then write down the moves of each piece, and keep it to hand.

If you go to www.download.com you can get a free Chess game for beginners there.

[bobtheturkey]

there is a site called red hot pawn where you can play against people all over the world of all levels its cheap to join as well, the best way to learn is play against better players

[Oneeyedvic]

MSN zone (used to at least) run FREE chess rooms. Again, you could play lots of different people from around the world - some good, some bad.

As with any 'sport' (I do use the term loosely), you will only get better with practice.

If your seven year old is serious / wants to take it further, there are normally local chess clubs which are reasonable.