Questions in red were unanswered.

Common Questions by Beginning Players

1. What is a good age to start teaching my child to play chess?

2. What are some tips on learning to play chess? for children? for teenagers? for adults?

3. Can you recommend some helpful books for a beginner?

4. Which phase of the game should I study the most? (opening, middlegame, endgame) All the three are equally important. The opening should be considered most important because you are unlikely to reach the middlegame or endgame if you start badly.

5. What are some sound opening principles to follow? Play the openings you like (assuming it's a sound openings) and work on understanding the openings you play deeper.

6. Do you recommend computer chess programs for learning chess?

7. What are the benefits of playing in tournaments? Nothing enhances one's understanding of things than practical experience!

8. Is there a particular etiquette for tournaments? Focus only on the tournament games if you can. Avoiding Blitz between rounds could also be helpful.

9. I'm tired of losing. What can I do to get better? They are a lot of factors. First ask yourself if you are comfortable with the openings you play. If you are comfortable, analysing your games is likely to prevent or lessen the losses. Some players play openings because of fashion instead of what they feel like. Of course the person preference should be sound. Some situations are difficult to explain and depend on individuals. Other reasons for losing are difficult to explain. Individuals should also work on identifying several factors that affect their performance and try to avoid them.

10. How many moves should I think ahead? Several methods could probably be applied. Calculating further ahead is usually required in tactical positions. In most positions you only need to make logical moves. Otherwise you may end up wasting valuable time on the clock.


Common Questions by Intermediate Players

1. How do I choose an opening repertoire? Choose what you feel like playing (assuming it's generally sound) When you go through the games of masters you are likely to find at least one who plays the way you wish and you could probably make him your role model.

2. Is it a good practice to memorize openings? You have to understand!

3. How do I know which pieces to trade? You could trade your less active pieces with your opponent's most active pieces. Other situations vary.

4. Which phase of the game should I study the most? (opening, middlegame, endgame) Choose the moves that you think leads to what most chessplayers call a dream position.

5. What can I do to improve my tactical vision? Practising puzzles and having a lot of rest before the games helps.

6. Why study endgames if my games don't last that long? Studying endgames is a good idea. Knowing a lot of positions is an edge. Endgame knowledge can also be applied in the middlegame.

7. Can you recommend some helpful books for an intermediate player?

8. Should I play blitz chess? Internet chess? I do it in moderation. I am not sure if its the best idea for every other player but at least this is what works for me.

9. Is it a good idea to use computer programs to analyze my games? After you analyse the game with your opponent or alone its normally a good idea to check the analysis and compare.

10. How can I avoid time pressure? Avoid thinking when the move is obvious or only moves. I have noticed most players do this. The other option could be discovered by yourself with reference to your experience!


Common Question by non-Master Players

What methods did you use to become a chess master? How long did it take? I think different methods work for different individuals. You are the best person to identify your weaknesses and strengths. Positive results will likely be achieved by applying your strong points and avoiding or mending your weak points. Personally, I became an IM by playing what I was comfortable with. Most players devote most of their time playing the most popular openings instead of what could work for them. This is because few believe they can improve with person drive. Having a training partner and a role model could also help. After I became an IM most of the players I thought were perfect are now my opponents and when I look back I wish I had believed in myself earlier. So hope you don't generally underestimate yourself!

Submitted: 12 March 2004