Chess Programs

[Giotto]

I am an absolute beginner to chess (I know what all the pieces do and stuff but I have no overriding strategy, i JUST started).

Does anyone know a good website/ free downloadable computer program that will teach me some basic chess and slowly build my skill? I know things like Chessmaster are good but i dont feel like buying it until I know i'm really interested in learning chess.

 

[spy]

I can't advise you any freeware programms but you can try out the following sites:

[1] Chess is Fun

[2] Soyouwannalearn how to play chess?

[3] Chess Kids

If you need more, just ask. I am an expert when talking about running the Google. I hope this will help.

 

[Mongols_rule]

Go to http://www.chessgames.com and see how all the greats played. Some games have notes embedded in them so you can learn from their moves.

 

[Soviet]

if your deadset on a free engine, I think crafty's a good choice, I think it's free but I don't remember for sure

 

[stormbind]

I was writing a web-based chess program for playing online. It's not finished

You can learn from mistakes, but I don't think playing against a computer will help because it's decisions are often too analytical to understand - even on reflection.

The best players in the world remember all their previous games and reuse moves that work. Don't worry if you cannot do this, as most players don't.

Basic tactics are to control centre-board (the squares in the middle of the board, outside deployment zone)... but also practice the main checkmates like Bishop+Queen, Rook+Rook, because being familiar with these will increase your chance of sighting oportunities to use them.

 

[Richard Cribb]

I can't give you any concrete advice, but perhaps you can find something worthwhile here:http://www.chessopolis.com/software.htm.
Good luck!