An Introduction

Chess is the most fascinating board games ever created. The potential combination of moves is so vast one could never hope to explore them all in a lifetime. With each move comes positional changes, some so subtle they're hard to notice, others so stunning they stand out like a blinding light. You can think of chess as a mental martial art. Like a martial art, it requires many years of study and patience. While an individual can learn the game and go on to become a reasonably good player, that individual can never fully master all of its complexities. This alone makes it worthy of exploration.

Chess, like music, has its own rhythm which may help to explain why so many musicians are chess players and so many chess players are musicians. Like learning an instrument, such as a guitar, countless hours are required to improve one's chess abilities. The more time put into either of these two arts, the greater the reward. Yes, chess can be an art. The game's beginning is what a blank canvas is to a painter: It is the start of a journey into an endless realm of possibilities. The chess player is the painter with brush in hand, each move like a brush stroke creating a rich tapestry woven across the chess board's 64 squares.

The pawns and pieces represent opposing armies facing an uncertain future as the game starts. With each game, you are the King, rallying your forces into battle. Your pieces work with one another, attacking the opposing army, defending your King, creating outposts within the enemy's territory and eventually winning the game (if all goes well). The fate of your kingdom rests solely in your hands. You develop strategies and employ tactical devices to bring those strategies into fruition. You are the master of your realm, commander of your army and king of your nation! With each games comes a new and exciting drama that unfolds with each move.

This site was designed for those of you new to the game and those of you who know how to play but want to take your game to the next level. Be warned, this is no fast track to chess improvement. It requires hard work, discipline and patience to get better at chess. I cannot promise you that you'll become the next Bobby Fischer or Magnus Carlsen after going through the material presented here. However, I can make this promise: If you work hard and put a good effort into improving your game, the rewards will far outweigh the effort put into your studies. Grab a chessboard and pieces, a notebook and pencil and let's get started.

You'll want to set up your board and pieces on a table with a good lamp nearby. Also, find a chair that is comfortable since you'll be in it for long stretches at a time. Add a good cup of tea of coffee in  for good measure and you'll be ready to start. Chess is a sea of endless possibilities. All you have to do is step into it's beautiful waters and take a swim. Don't worry, you don't have jump in head first. Just stick your toes in and test the water. I think you'll find it inviting!