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Ask the Chessperts!

In this area, you can ask us or any other visitors any questions that you might have about chess. Check back soon for your answers! Click here to submit your questions.

A great place to start is our How to Play section, which teaches the rules of chess, step by step. Another excellent resource is Chess for Dummies by James Eade. 4 1/2 is an early age to learn how to play the game, so it will take some effort and patience on your part to teach him the rules. Check the junior section of your local library for other books and materials. Also, many elementary schools host weekly chess clubs that would probably welcome you and your son. Chess is lots of fun, and we're sure you both will enjoy learning!
The Chessperts <alphaomega@proaxis.comREMOTE>
Corvallis, OR USA -

My 41/2 yr old son has expressed interest in learning chess. I do not know how to play. Any recommendations on books that explain chess for young players?
aj coopersmith <aj coopersmith@hotmail.comREMOTE>
greenwich, ct USA -

The normal King's Gambit Declined line is 1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5. This move controls the weakened a7-g1 diagonal, and if White tries to capture on e5, 3. Qh4+ produces a quick death. After developing the Bishop, Black continues by playing d6, Nc6, Nf6, and 0-0. Good luck in your future games!
Bryant and Landon Brownell <alphaomega@proaxis.comREMOTE>
Corvallis, OR USA -

I was wondering what the best way to decline the king's gambit is? I've been looking, but a lot of ways leave you with a bad position.
Julian Rosen <julianrosen@yahoo.comREMOTE>
Corvallis, OR USA -

I'll never be good at chess, so I'll comment on your website. WOW! Am I ever impressed! How many hours did you boys spend on creating this information? I wish you were here so you could teach me to create my own! I'll vote FIRST PLACE for your entry!
Janice <gerhard.langohr@t-online.deREMOTE>
Crailsheim, Germany -

The first thing to keep in mind is that tournaments should be a lot of fun. Try not to get uptight and concerned about the results; just do your best and enjoy playing. To prepare, read through our Tournament Play section and familiarize yourself with scorekeeping and chess clocks.
If the tournament is USCF rated, you will be assigned a rating after it is completed. You can see your rating after a few weeks at the USCF websiteREMOTE.
Bryant and Landon Brownell <alphaomega@proaxis.comREMOTE>
Corvallis, OR USA -

I'm excited about my upcoming first tournament. Is there anything I should do to prepare? How do I get a rating?
Adrian Moss <adrian@pinsonet.comREMOTE>
Pinson, AL USA -

You can check out the USCF tournament search engine at: http://www.uschess.org/tla/ Select your state, and you will receive a list of upcoming tournaments in your area. In Oregon, the scholastic coordinator is Fred Gonzalez, PO Box 1096, Beaverton, OR, 97075.
Bryant and Landon Brownell <alphaomega@proaxis.comREMOTE>
Corvallis, OR USA -

How can I find out about scholastic chess activities in my area?
Helen
Corvallis, OR USA -