How To Learn Chess?

[Mike03]

I suddenly decided that I want to learn how to play chess, but I'm rather shy and embarrassed. Does anyone have any suggestions on ways to learn, like:

Books to suggest?
Good websites?

Just overall general advice to someone who wants to learn chess at the age of 40? Am I too told to learn it?

I went to Wal-Mart last week to look at their games section, and I could not find a respectable chess set. I live in the middle of nowhere, and the only place I have to shop is WM, and it is pathetic, but that is my frame of reference. Can anyone suggest a good chess set I can get online that is not just plastic pieces, something nice, and some intelligent books, or a good website where beginners are welcome. Before I die, I want to learn and be proficient in chess.

Thanks.

[NewJeffCT]

1. you're not too old to learn it

it's never too late.

I would suggest going to amazon.com and reading the reviews of some good chess software. That should have some good tips as to how to play the game, helpful hints, etc.

[The Straight Story]

2. I have played chess for about 27 years off and on

Would be glad to help you out.

For boards and books:

http://www.chessusa.com/

And another one I have ordered from several times:
http://www.chesscentral.com/chess-sets-pieces.htm

Yahoo also has free chess on their site, a lot of variety in the level of players there.

Books:
Chess openings theory and practice, by Horowitz. Old book, out of date some, but a classic.

Chess traps, pitfalls, and swindles is good as well.

If you need help on how to move the pieces, en passant, notation, castling, etc just PM me and I can help you out!

[The Straight Story]

3. PS

I can help over the phone or via msn messeger or the like as well.

[Mike03]

5. Thank you

for the support. It means a lot.

[Juffo Wup]

4. Just play

There are certain principles, like controlling space, using pieces effectively, and so on, but the only real way to learn is to play and have your ass handed to you by someone good and figure out how they did it.

[The Straight Story]

6. Sounds like a challenge to me!

e4 ;)

[Mike03]

7. Ha--exactly, that is what I figured

reading "Idiot's Guide to Chess". Especially the part about exploiting vulnerable open squares. At some point I just got terrified that I could never absorb all of this, all these rules and complex strategies, but I so admire people who can play this game. I also think it would, frankly, be good for my brain to learn it.

Eh, maybe it doesn't matter how good the chess set is--that is dumb thinking. I just want to actually feel the pieces in my hand, not just look at them on a page in a book.

I can't explain it, really. For some reason, I am just always thinking about Chess lately, even though I have no history of playing it or anything.

[The Straight Story]

8. chessbase.com

Forgot that one, my favorite chess site :)

Some women of chess:
http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=2208

http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=1826

And Karmen kass

Hubba hubba:

[Mike03]

9. Yyyowwwww.....

If she plays chess, I'm definitely playing.

[The Straight Story]

10. She can beat me anytime

in chess that is. Well, ok...not just chess :)