FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. How can get started on playing chess?
The quickest way to start is to join a group lesson or a local chess club. To compliment this, you can buy a few books. Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess, and The Chess Tactics Books (by Al Woolum) should be a good start.
Q2. I have played chess for quite some time, and I can beat my dad and my neighbor. How can I find out how good I am?
The only way to find out your "true" chess strength is to compete at a USCF-sanctioned tournament. You will get your official rating after 25 games. In order to compete, you have to join the USCF (www.uschess.org) to become a member.
Q3. What is a chess rating, and how does the rating system work?
A USCF rating is a number which quantifies one's strength in chess. Generally speaking, the higher your rating is, the better chess player you are. Your rating results from the previous games you have played (win, draw or loss) and your opponents’ rating. Most of the time, one’s rating changes after a game, depending upon the result. For example, if you beat a player rated higher than you are right now, then your rating will increase. However, if you lose to a player lower rated than you, your rating will decrease.
Q4. How can I improve my chess skills?
Like any other demanding extracurricular activity, chess must be practiced to be perfected. Of course, some group lessons and private lessons do not hurt. Still, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to HAVE FUN.
Q5. What can I do to help CHESSanity?
Since CHESSanity relies on individual donations to support all of its programs, your tax- deductible donation can help in a major way in order to keep CHESSanity up and running. Each donation will go to a charitable cause or to help a child in the Adopt-a-School program.
The quickest way to start is to join a group lesson or a local chess club. To compliment this, you can buy a few books. Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess, and The Chess Tactics Books (by Al Woolum) should be a good start.
Q2. I have played chess for quite some time, and I can beat my dad and my neighbor. How can I find out how good I am?
The only way to find out your "true" chess strength is to compete at a USCF-sanctioned tournament. You will get your official rating after 25 games. In order to compete, you have to join the USCF (www.uschess.org) to become a member.
Q3. What is a chess rating, and how does the rating system work?
A USCF rating is a number which quantifies one's strength in chess. Generally speaking, the higher your rating is, the better chess player you are. Your rating results from the previous games you have played (win, draw or loss) and your opponents’ rating. Most of the time, one’s rating changes after a game, depending upon the result. For example, if you beat a player rated higher than you are right now, then your rating will increase. However, if you lose to a player lower rated than you, your rating will decrease.
Q4. How can I improve my chess skills?
Like any other demanding extracurricular activity, chess must be practiced to be perfected. Of course, some group lessons and private lessons do not hurt. Still, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to HAVE FUN.
Q5. What can I do to help CHESSanity?
Since CHESSanity relies on individual donations to support all of its programs, your tax- deductible donation can help in a major way in order to keep CHESSanity up and running. Each donation will go to a charitable cause or to help a child in the Adopt-a-School program.