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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
  
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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.
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I'm going to book a lesson once I'm home from work.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Canada353 Posts
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.
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Thanks for your thoghts, RevTiberius. 2200+ is damn strong! Where are you from?
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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!
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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
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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.
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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.
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Man....I love teaching starcaft players....they just seem to pick up things so much faster
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lol. I can barely beat the (~800) computer on chess.com
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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
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Awesome, didn't even know this group existed! Joined :D
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Canada353 Posts
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]](http://i.imgur.com/hTchg.jpg)
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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VERY impressive, tiberius. Where did you first learn chess? What method did you use to improve?
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I've had several more good lessons! Keep them coming!
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I love TL. I've had so much fun with these lessons =]
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EPT
