I've played a few more games and am now able to consistently squash the computer player at level 2 on the Windows Vista chess program. Onward to level 3. I'll move on to human opponents soon, but right now I'm learning a lot by exploring possibilities with liberal use of the undo key. It helps me understand the consequences of different potential moves.
I've also read up on opening moves. I liked learning the strategic and tactical significance of each possibility, such as control of the center and development of attack posture. Now I understand why 1. e4 is considered a strong opening.
It was fun playing a game and seeing the computer do something I could anticipate. I'd move 1. e4 and recognize him responding with the Sicilian defence, so I already knew what move to make next.
I felt like Inigo Montoya saying to the man in black, "You are using Bonetti's defence against me, eh?"
Perhaps the computer player doesn't realize I'm left-handed.
