Saturday, July 19, 2008

Chess

Hey everyone, I am trying to learn to play chess, but I have no one to practice with and thought I’d try an online game site. Does anyone know of any good ones?

9 comments:

miko564 said...

Whirly, when I want to prove to myself just how stupid I really am, I sometimes play at Yahoo. It is in the games section, and has a beginners level where nobody gives you any crap about knowing what you're doing. You can also play the computer just to get the feel of it.

If you're ever in NYC, let me know. I think my little brother still plays in the park. (just like in "Searching for Bobby Fischer") I'm sure he'd show you around.

miko564 said...

BTW: Can you tell by my speed at responding to new posts, that I am home with tweedledum and tweedledummer today and craving any form of communication with adults?

Johnny Sweatpants said...

I used to play on Game Colony a lot:

http://www.gamecolony.com/chess.shtml

It's free and you can get some decent matches with people of virtually every skill level.

I'll play you there sometime if you'd like Whirlygirl but I warn you - I'm a vicious, relentless killing machine and I play for the sole purpose of destroying my opponent.

Except for I'mNot... excuse me, 50P. He's just good company.

Johnny Sweatpants said...

Oh I just noticed that you were still in the "learning" stage. I still recommend Game Colony though.

Beginner tips? Control the center. Castle early, king side is less dangerous. Develop knights and bishops. Don't bring the queen out too soon. Try not to double up your pawns. Try to keep the bishops on long diagonals. Learn to use pins and forks effectively.

Whirlygirl said...

Thanks Miko and JSP for the suggestions.

JSP, thanks for the chess tips, and when I become skilled I will play you, but you will be the one destroyed. I’m very competitive. It comes from growing up getting my ass whooped by my sister doing anything athletic. She was a machine, aggressive, agile, and coordinated; I never stood a chance and could only beat her at cards and board games. It made her crazy that she couldn’t beat me, and it made me insane that I wasn’t better than her at sports. We both tried harder and harder. We grew up always trying to beat each other, and that stuck with me. So, JSP, I warn you, I will your kick your butt.

Whirlygirl said...

I mean, I will kick your butt!

Johnny Sweatpants said...

As much as I love a good trash talking session Whirlygirl, it's no fun engaging with a rookie like yourself. Hit the books and get back to me when you're good and ready.

Actually the best way to get better is to spend hours and hours studying and getting your ass handed to you.

Whirlygirl said...

I agree, and I anticipate getting killed at the beginning. I expect chess will be my biggest challenge yet, but I don't intend to lose once i'm experienced.

DKC said...

I'll just hang out on the sidelines with a cocktail.

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