Getting You or Your Child Started:
Chess is a fantastic game that can be a real positive influence on you or your child’s life.  Nothing can teach you more about winning and losing. What you get out of chess is directly proportional to what you put in.

What you need to start:

1. A chess set: This is obviously important. The best type of chess set for a beginner would be a set with the letters and numbers along the sides.
2. A chess clock: Most chess matches are timed. It is important to make sure each side has the same amount of time to make their moves. Once you have these basics, you are ready to start.

• The best way to improve initially is to play and to study.  I recommend the book Chess Tactics for Students by John Bain as an initial book. This book teaches the basic chess tactics in an easy to understand format. Next you should read Everyone’s 2nd Chess Book, by Dan Heisman. This is a great book designed to fill the gap between “how to play books”, and tactical books. After reading these books, you are ready to begin the long road to chess improvement.
• Play slow, rated games. Slow games give you lots of time to select the best move, and as such, you can really see what you know and what you don't. Things learned after reviewing a slow game seem to stick better as you have invested time and effort.  Play people better than you. They will punish you for your mistakes.
• Learn how to take notation. This is critical to improving at chess.
• Learn your openings. Review every game you play by analyzing with Nunn’s Chess Openings or Modern Chess Openings.
• Study tactics (1001 Winning Chess Tactics and Combinations by Fred Reinfeld),  study masters' games (Chernov’s The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played)
• Join a club, like ours. We are always eager to help.
• Play in tournaments.
• Take lessons. Lessons are available. For example, I take lessons from Dan Heisman (AKA the “Phillytutor” on the Internet Chess Club). NM Dan Heisman's Website A great way to find the flaws in your game and get guidance on improving.

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