I like the new forum, thank you Fabrice for your work! I've seen the thread about the kohii lounge and the general discussion thread, and I would like to help, I thought about this for the last half an hour but an answer didn't came :/ I feel there is an overlapping between "general discussion" and "the japanese language", but now that there isn't more an off-topic section I don't know... I fear that "general discussion" will became the new "kanji lounge". Also Fabrice pointed out how some japanese-related topics were posted on "koohii lounge" when they pertain better to "general discussion" or even "the japanese language" sections. Now that there is not an off-topic anymore I fear this will became ever worst because "general discussion" will have both japanese-related discussions and off-topic discussions. I know what I've just said is of no help at all... I hope some other users will came with useful suggestions

That said, I hope this new topic will fit the "general discussion" section (from this the previous consideration)

Is there anyone who play chess? I tried to learn it some years ago but I got stuck and gave-up...
I know all the rules and the theoretical basis about basic tactics and strategies. What I don't know is how to get better at actual  game. When I play with the computer I get stuck, when I do moves, I don't even know if they are good or bad and why they are that way.

What I feel is the need of a teacher who helps me analyzing games and point me things like "in this situation it is better to do this or that, because...".

So I wonder if it is really possible to learn to play chess by myself... And if yes, what are some resources which could help me to achieve a good level. Where for good level I mean for a casual player, because I don't want to take out time to japanese study so my dedication to chess must be limited in time.

There was this series of video games called Chess Master (I had CM 9000 on PC) and it had really in-depth tutorials and IAs, that can get you started until you join a local association or start playing online.

(2015-11-17, 12:19 pm)EratiK Wrote: There was this series of video games called Chess Master (I had CM 9000 on PC) and it had really in-depth tutorials and IAs, that can get you started until you join a local association or start playing online.

Thank you EratiK, I will check it!

I've only played for fun and haven't studied chess much.  But I was playing with an app a while back that seemed interesting and fun.  It set up an endgame and your task was to put the opponent in check mate.  It basically wouldn't let you do it any other way than to win, which gave good feedback, forced me to see the pieces develop several moves ahead, and notice moves that I wouldn't have noticed before.  I forget what the app was called, but I believe searching 'chess puzzle' will get you something similar.


You could also study some of the classic strategies, which is more about the beginning of the game and setting up your pieces so they can help you later on.

(2015-11-17, 2:36 pm)yogert909 Wrote: You could also study some of the classic strategies, which is more about the beginning of the game and setting up your pieces so they can help you later on.

This is the thing that I find more difficult so I think I'll do this thank you yogert!