Durrr in process of losing 60k+ in a chess bet.. good month for raptor

[rory]

this is only true if you are allowed to trade down. obviously curtains is going to play in such a way that you do not get into trade-everything-off-positions very easily

[justaPlayer]

This thread has been very instrucive in itself, and I can see quite a few of you are very accomplished players.

Can someone recommend to me some good software that will not only help me learn but allow me to rate myself with accuracy and to play against a strong engine in a variety of formats (like setting it up to be down a rook, for example)?

What about the best place to play online (name of site) with other players?

Sorry everybody, I am just getting into chess and don't know where to turn to get better, as there are no instructors in my rural area. I will be moving to Las Vegas in a few months and will there join a club, but why wait to pursue an activity I enjoy? Thanks everybody for suggestions...

Btw I've been playing semi-seriously for 2 mo. and can beat "Chess Titans" (sometimes) on level 7 on Vista. When I started I couldn't beat it on 2. I really want to get better.

[carlo]

[ QUOTE ]
What about the best place to play online (name of site) with other players?

[/ QUOTE ]

Try Internet Chess Club, program name is "Blitzin".