By the way, Steve, I don't have a chess set anymore. When I tell you about moves, I'm just visualising the position in my head. It's a skill that all experienced chessplayers develop. I believe it helps in LOA visualisation too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina  I get stuck shortly after the opening though and don't really know what I'm trying to do except move my pieces out and hope to setup some attacks. |
Attacks? These can happen very early in the game. I'll show you a "sudden death":
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 d6
3. Bc4 Bg4
4. Nc3 a6
Now you probably know enough to know that 4...a6 is a bad move. Doesn't develop any piece, doesn't control the centre, doesn't serve any purpose. However, what you probably haven't learned to see yet is how quickly Black can be punished for such an error.
5. Nxe5! Bxd1
Black thinks he's won a Queen.
6. Bxf7+ Ke7
7. Nd5 mate