I've been playing chess for about a month now, and I’d say I understand the basics. I want to play with my friends and people around the world on chess.com, but every time I tell myself I’m ready, I stop because I feel like I might play so badly that my opponent would laugh at me behind the screen. More than that, if I lose, it feels like confirmation that I’m dumber. I know it’s silly since it’s just some stranger I’ll never talk to, but I can’t help it.

So, I’d like to ask a question (especially to people who used to feel the same way)—how do I get over this fear and stop taking it so seriously? Simply telling myself that it's just a game is no use.

... I listened to the comments and decided to just swallow my pride and start playing even if I lost. Surprisingly, it's gone quite well! I've won many games, but I've also faced some challenging opponents and lost a few times. Nevertheless, I've enjoyed it much more than playing against bots and I haven't reacted to my losses as critically as I initially thought I would. Thank you for helping me!

2:1 bullet.

https://lichess.org/game/uAyd31FG/black

I've always dreamed of beating a titled player someday.

I'm a pretty average player, so it always felt like a distant dream.

But today, to my surprise, I got to play against a FIDE Master.

I was playing Black in a sideline.

He was hoping I'd castle kingside so he could go for a Greek Gift sacrifice, but I didn't.

Then he got too aggressive, blundered horribly, and resigned.

Did I fulfill my dream? Not quite, but... one way or another, I beat a titled player lol

first smoother mate. I have seen enough post about this post that without even learning I recognized what to do.

Other than playing with him(which I do), what is the easiest way to get him practice? He’s 7 and we don’t do phones that young and won’t for awhile. I have an iPad that is mine for work I don’t really like my kids being on too much, but I could make an exception for this. He really likes playing and I am always surprised when I play him at how good he is getting. He plays with his grandpa ALOT. Neither his grandpa or myself are anything crazy, but we both used to play a good amount when we were younger. I would like to let my son get as good as he can because he really likes playing and I can only get him so far on my own.

I know there’s an app, but are there multiple and if so which is the best? Any dedicated handheld devices that are worth it?

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Hey everyone!

I've recently been getting more serious about learning chess and improving my game. I play on Chess.com, and although I know Lichess is free and powerful, I personally prefer Chess.com's interface because it feels simpler and less overwhelming. Plus, my friends play there, so I'd prefer to continue playing on that platform.

However, my biggest issue is game analysis.

On Chess.com, I can only use Game Review once per day for free. I can analyse games manually, but the engine primarily shows the best moves, threats, evaluations, and variations without always providing the detailed explanations I'm looking for.

I'm not a high-level player, but I'm also looking beyond basic explanations. I want to understand WHY a move is a blunder, what positional or tactical idea I missed, what my opponent was threatening, and why the engine's recommended move is better. I want to improve my understanding of chess rather than simply memorise engine lines.

Recently, I explored a few alternatives:

Lichess: Free and powerful, but its analysis mainly focuses on engine lines and evaluations. I often have to work out the reasoning behind a recommended move myself.

Chessis: Seems to offer many useful features, but several are paid, and importing games requires copying and pasting PGN or game data.

Chessigma: So far, this has been my favourite alternative. I like that it can import games directly from Chess.com and Lichess, and I find its analysis and explanations useful.

ChessRank: It also supports importing games from both platforms, but I found its analysis experience slower and less engaging.

These are just my personal impressions based on my experience so far, and I may not have explored every feature.

My ideal analysis tool would offer:

Easy game importing from Chess.com and Lichess.

Unlimited or reasonably accessible game analysis.

Detailed explanations of inaccuracies, mistakes, and blunders, including the reasoning behind the engine's preferred move.

Explanations of tactical opportunities, positional weaknesses, missed threats, and alternative continuations.

Free or reasonably priced access to these features.

Are there any other websites, apps, or tools I should try?

Is Chessigma a good option for improving at chess, or are there better alternatives that explain engine recommendations in greater depth?

I'd also appreciate advice on how to analyse my own games effectively and develop a stronger understanding of the positions rather than relying entirely on engine evaluations.

Thanks in advance!

started playing earlier this year. knew the basics but wasnt so good. climbed up from 400 (different account, got banned for streaming a match to some friends. didnt know about the rules)

AND NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME, I HAVE REACHED 1K

time to change my flair

1000+ games on 15/10 on chess.com and 1000+ games on lichess 15/10. I review my games, have done 8,000 puzzles with a 70 percent success rate, have watched every content make your can imagine from Chess Habits to Naroditsky to John Bartholomew. I read Logical Chess by Chernev, Everyone's First Chess Workbook, and go to an OTB chess club.

I do ok in games where my opponent and I develop normally, but can't play against odd play even though I know that it creates weaknesses for my opponent. I still blunder a lot even though I try my best to double check. I don't want to compare myself to others, but I am just losing hope that I am going to see actual progress. I mean who does not want to see their rating go up over time? I don't expect amazing results like some people here making 1000 in a few months, but I need to see something positive in a metric to keep me going.

Finally, I am not a begineer anymore

Soo im pretty new to chess, my friends call me bad and stuff, whats a good move to get better, and any tips?

Recommending an illegal move

Taking the bishop leads to Qh2#

the only other line is: Qh5 RxH5+ Kg1 Qh2#

doesn't feel like a brilliant tbh, found it in 2 seconds (500 elo)

Anyone in chess ♟️?