It can be intimidating for a new chess player to take on such an extensive and storied game. Chess has been the standard for all strategic games for over 1000 years, with millions of people playing the game across the entire world. For those who do not know how to play chess, the many strategies and tactics involved with the game of chess can be overwhelming. To them, it is too difficult and disconcerting to learn a game that has been around for so long that websites are dedicated to the strategies and tactics of the game.

That being said, it is not that difficult to learn chess. The basic rules of the game are simple enough for children to learn. As such, any person, regardless of previous experience, can learn chess. Most players learn how to play chess through experience and practice. When looked at as a game played at many different skill levels, learning the game of chess is not as difficult as it may initially seem. It does take a lot of time to become an advanced player, however, but this is the nature of the game. Any person who has the desire to learn chess likely understands the impact that chess can have on the brain. The infinite amount of positions and situations that can be experienced in the game is what confuses and intimidates most players. Just as with anything in the world requiring skill and experience, learning how to play chess starts with the basics. Chess skills are built through repetition and practice, so don’t get frustrated!

Keep these tips in mind when you learn chess:

1. Patience
Patience is the most important thing when learning to play a new game. Although chess can become very complicated, it is important to remember that it is, in essence, a simple game. Start from the beginning by learning the capabilities of each piece and playing as many games as you can. Do not become frustrated if you are not winning. After all, everybody has to start somewhere!

2. Repetition
By continually playing games, you will slowly build up your mental library of situations. Play as many games as possible, as each game allows you to better understand chess positions. It will also get you more confident as you begin to win games.

3. Practice
Similar to the tip above, practice allows you to learn what works and what doesn’t work in a game of chess. Practice specific strategies and tactics to find a playing style that fits you. Practice against as many different players as possible, as new styles and higher skill levels will only improve your game. Also remember to study strategies and tactics to increase your knowledge of the game.

4. Play with friends
Make learning how to play chess a fun experience by engaging your friends in the game. The best possible situation of learning how to play chess is to play with a close friend who is also learning. This way, you can grow and learn together, keeping the competition level equal and helping each other understand the game of chess.

November Grid has arrived!
Check out the latest issue of Grid here, or better yet, come join us at Earth Bread + Brewery (7136 Germantown Ave.) tonight from 6-8 p.m. for our Issue Release Party. This month’s cover story profiles Sarah Van Aken, who, with her company Sa Va Fashion, is bringing sustainable manufacturing to Philadelphia. Also, read about how prison inmates are growing fresh, healthy food for the city’s hungry through the City Harvest Program. Don’t miss our other features: seasonal recipes, how to cook dried beans, an introduction to green roofs and a profile on cycling gardener Grace Wicks of Graceful Gardens. Back page commentary is provided by sustainability icon Judy Wicks.

by entering the HOW MANY CUIES contest

1) To enter, go to www.sabrinacuie.net and download each song.

2) Listen to how many times you hear the wrong pronunciation of the name CUIE (koo’ee).

3) Send an email to howmanycuies@yahoo.com with your answer, name and phone number.

4) The winner will be announced at a live drawing on Saturday, February 28, 2009

Good luck!
-Sabrina Cuie