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Free Chess Lessons

Blogs > lOvOlUNiMEDiA
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lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
July 20 2012 19:43 GMT
#1
Hi all. I've been a member of TL for almost 10 years (UNiMEDiA and lOvOlUNiMEDiA). But I've not been "training" in BW (ICCup C) or SC2 (master) for quite some time because of school, work...and chess!

When people ask me if I'm a "good" chess player it's always a delicate answer. In the grand scheme of things? No. Not at all. I'm USCF 1762. Master is 2200. GM is around 2500. So, no. I'm not good. But, if you just know the rules of the game and that's it, you'll never beat me unless you study. Regardless, I've been teaching chess to kids at my local school district as well as in private for some time. And I've found that teaching has improved my play (as well as keeping me motivated to continue getting better). So I wanted to offer up free hour lessons to anyone interested from TL. So check out my page and hit the contact button there if you want a free lesson. I promise, even in an hour you'll learn some useful things.

My Chess Coaching Web Page

***
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
SanMaya
Profile Joined September 2010
Netherlands74 Posts
July 20 2012 20:00 GMT
#2
Dude, this is just too much of a coincidence... Like 2 hours ago I searched TL for websites for getting better at chess, and when I look again just now your blog shows up .

I'm definitively interested in a lesson (as well as just playing a game of chess). Should note: I totally suck at chess. Though I do know the rules, the only 'tactical' thing I can do is thinking forward several moves.
Will concact you as soon as my holiday starts. Also times differences might be an issue.
TLMS
Sinensis
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
United States2513 Posts
July 20 2012 21:48 GMT
#3
I'm going to book a lesson once I'm home from work.
Gnial
Profile Blog Joined July 2010
Canada907 Posts
July 20 2012 23:05 GMT
#4
Does anyone (perhaps the OP?) know basic opening theory - or a good link for studying basic opening theory? In particular, I'm interested in learning more about the Sicilian, and then Queen's gambit declined.

Any suggestions?

I'm at the stage of chess where I just stick with 1 opening as white (at my level it usually ends up with me playing Queen's gambit), and my defence for the most common king pawn opening is the sicilian... but I don't know what I'm doing, haha. Mainly, I'm looking for advice of what moves SHOULDN'T be made.

There is this one fellow, kingscrusher, who streams a lot of games on youtube and in about 30 seconds of talking completely explained all of queen's gambit accepted up to the first 6 or 8 moves... and that knowledge has made me way better. Just wondering if there is similar stuff for the other openings available.
1, eh? 2, eh? 3, eh?
lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
July 21 2012 00:40 GMT
#5
Gnial: There is all kinds of information on the internet. chess.com is a great resource, as well (especially if you can afford a membership).

I've got to say, though, that I think learning a bit of your opening of choice makes sense. But you should really spend more time on tactics, calculation and basic endgame patters (do you know how to checkmate with a king and a rook against a king?)

I would definitely recommend the book Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations and Games. You get very good practice calculating and learning basic patterns.
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
Divinek
Profile Blog Joined November 2006
Canada4045 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-07-21 00:59:26
July 21 2012 00:58 GMT
#6
A great piece of advice I've heard from a GM before: openings? Ha, learn the game first then maybe worry about learning an opening. End game is so much cooler and more beneficial in the long run imo

oh and i should actually address the OP, there's always something to be learned from everyone so this is a very cool thing you're doing, thanks
Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Oh goodness me, FOX tv where do you get your sight? Can't you keep track, the puck is black. That's why the ice is white.
RevTiberius
Profile Blog Joined July 2011
Canada353 Posts
July 21 2012 08:35 GMT
#7
This is great. I used to be a 2200-2300 ELO player but retired from active play years ago because it just got too time consuming. However, still actively follow what's going on in the chess world and am delighted to see that other people share the passion, even here on TL. I wish you good luck with your lessons!

My advice to anybody serious about getting better at chess would be:

1. Avoid computers. You don't need them early in your development, and they will get you into the bad habit of checking the engine evaluation rather than thinking about a position yourself.
2. Avoid too much opening theory. Until you hit at least 1700 you really don't need to spend time worrying about openings. All you need are a few general principles about what you should to in the opening stage of the game. And memorizing lines etc. is something you don't need until you hit 2000 or more.
3. What you do need it regular over-the-board practice and lessons. Competitive games are essential, too.

In my own blog (link in my signature) I also wrote several pieces about chess and comparisons to SC2. You may find it interesting / useful.
Teaching Chess to a Starcraft 2 Grandmaster: http://revtiberius.blogspot.ca
lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
July 21 2012 14:26 GMT
#8
Thanks for your thoghts, RevTiberius. 2200+ is damn strong! Where are you from?
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
July 22 2012 20:09 GMT
#9
I've already had a lot of interest, TL. Awesome! I didn't know so many TLers were also interested in getting better at chess!
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
imre
Profile Blog Joined November 2011
France9263 Posts
July 22 2012 22:51 GMT
#10
Still hesitating to really "get into" (aka join a local club) chess, it seems to need an heavy time investment to be decent T.T
Zest fanboy.
GolemMadness
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
Canada11044 Posts
July 23 2012 22:39 GMT
#11
On July 23 2012 07:51 sAsImre wrote:
Still hesitating to really "get into" (aka join a local club) chess, it seems to need an heavy time investment to be decent T.T


The same could be said about pretty much anything, though. It all depends on how much interest you have in it. If you haven't played RTS games before and start playing Starcraft 2, then it'll probably take a while to get out of bronze. But, if you like the game, then you'll persevere and get better.
http://na.op.gg/summoner/userName=FLABREZU
lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
July 23 2012 23:12 GMT
#12
On July 24 2012 07:39 GolemMadness wrote:
Show nested quote +
On July 23 2012 07:51 sAsImre wrote:
Still hesitating to really "get into" (aka join a local club) chess, it seems to need an heavy time investment to be decent T.T


The same could be said about pretty much anything, though. It all depends on how much interest you have in it. If you haven't played RTS games before and start playing Starcraft 2, then it'll probably take a while to get out of bronze. But, if you like the game, then you'll persevere and get better.



Agreed.
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
July 26 2012 02:43 GMT
#13
Man....I love teaching starcaft players....they just seem to pick up things so much faster
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
Release
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States4397 Posts
July 26 2012 04:55 GMT
#14
lol. I can barely beat the (~800) computer on chess.com
☺
lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
July 27 2012 18:33 GMT
#15
Release, you must be relatively new to chess, then. Just like SC, so much skill is a result of experience. Of course, lessons allow you to maximize the "type" of experience you get.
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
July 31 2012 16:41 GMT
#16
Hey everyone -- I've had a lot responses and quite a few fun lessons. I've actually enjoyed teaching TL members far more than my usual students. Keep the requests coming!
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
Smancer
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States379 Posts
July 31 2012 19:48 GMT
#17
Come join the Team Liquid Chess Group on Chess.com.

We have team matches, vote chess matches, in house tournaments, and more. You can find our TL post in the Sports & Games forums.

I know for a fact we have a few players in the ELO 2000+ range. Some are willing to analze games for other Team liquiders as well.
A good way to threaten somebody is to light a stick of dynamite. Then you call the guy and hold the burning fuse up to the phone. "Hear that?" you say. "That's dynamite, baby."
imre
Profile Blog Joined November 2011
France9263 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-08-01 00:22:40
August 01 2012 00:03 GMT
#18
On July 24 2012 07:39 GolemMadness wrote:
Show nested quote +
On July 23 2012 07:51 sAsImre wrote:
Still hesitating to really "get into" (aka join a local club) chess, it seems to need an heavy time investment to be decent T.T


The same could be said about pretty much anything, though. It all depends on how much interest you have in it. If you haven't played RTS games before and start playing Starcraft 2, then it'll probably take a while to get out of bronze. But, if you like the game, then you'll persevere and get better.


haha, kinda hilarious as i went to bronze from my placement match to master at the end of s1. (doing it on release was way easier than nowadays tho)
main problem is that i'm gonna have to study abroad next year and do my master degree + some heay homework in may/june 2013...
i think i'll give it a try tho, need to do something IRL
/e contact sent
Zest fanboy.
JoRoSaR
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
United Kingdom143 Posts
August 01 2012 16:32 GMT
#19
Awesome, didn't even know this group existed! Joined :D
Esports Host & Comentator || Twitch / Twitter / FB / YT: JoRoSaR
RevTiberius
Profile Blog Joined July 2011
Canada353 Posts
August 05 2012 06:32 GMT
#20
Went on a serious rampage today. Played 17 games on chess.com, won 15, conceded only 2 draws, pushing my rating to 2266

God would have mercy. I won't :-)

[image loading]

Teaching Chess to a Starcraft 2 Grandmaster: http://revtiberius.blogspot.ca
JonIrenicus
Profile Blog Joined July 2012
Italy602 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-08-05 09:06:03
August 05 2012 09:05 GMT
#21
--- Nuked ---
Spidinko
Profile Joined May 2010
Slovakia1174 Posts
August 05 2012 14:16 GMT
#22
Nice effort. I'd like to learn a chess myself. I'm getting better at playing games at my own pace but when I tried 5min blitz games I got stomped into the ground doing many blunders and couldn't think clearly.
Mothra
Profile Blog Joined November 2009
United States1448 Posts
August 05 2012 16:19 GMT
#23
Don't play blitz as a beginner. The longer the game, the better you can actually think and learn from it. Chess isn't meant to be an RTS.
Spidinko
Profile Joined May 2010
Slovakia1174 Posts
August 05 2012 18:43 GMT
#24
Indeed. I don't have time to play very long games, though :-). I'm in a pickle.
What time controls would you suggest be good for me?
Mothra
Profile Blog Joined November 2009
United States1448 Posts
August 05 2012 18:49 GMT
#25
Try to aim for at least 30 minutes per side. Add increments if you're still ending up in a thoughtless blitz at the end.
lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
August 07 2012 01:11 GMT
#26
On August 05 2012 18:05 JonIrenicus wrote:
I always wanted to play chess. But I never founded someone that would teach me. I don't even know the basic, and I even know people that said me that is not worth it to learn them,unless you want to dedicate much time to chess itself...


That's like saying you shouldn't play baseball unless you want to be a pro or go see a movie unless you plan on becoming a film critic. Chess is deep, so you can choose to dive in. But you don't have to. I know plenty of people who enjoy it at a shallow level (and my strength is very shallow compared to professional players).

For me, chess is about the enjoyment of improvement and the enjoyment of playing.
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
August 11 2012 18:22 GMT
#27
VERY impressive, tiberius. Where did you first learn chess? What method did you use to improve?
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
August 12 2012 04:27 GMT
#28
I've had several more good lessons! Keep them coming!
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
JonIrenicus
Profile Blog Joined July 2012
Italy602 Posts
August 12 2012 18:56 GMT
#29
--- Nuked ---
lOvOlUNiMEDiA
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States643 Posts
August 21 2012 21:10 GMT
#30
I love TL. I've had so much fun with these lessons =]
To say that I'm missing the point, you would first have to show that such work can have a point.
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