Hi folks!

Well, standard introduction I suppose, im rather new to chess, but have played enough to know that I thoroughly enjoy my time over the board and also that I need to improve my tactics, as in a lot. Anyone suggest books on tactics, preferably with puzzles, that a new player can comprehend? Puzzles 5-6 or more moves deep are just beyond me at this stage im afraid.

Beyond that, and simply playing the game (hopefully I can locate a club) what else should a beginner work on? Openings? Strategy? Im pretty confused where to go next...

Secondly, does anyone know of an active club anywhere in northeast Ohio or northwestern Pennsylvania? Im midway between Cleveland and Erie, and would be willing to drive either way (mostly because I dont have a choice!)

Thanks!

There's a nice list of clubs here:

Ohio Chess Association - Clubs

I think Fromper can help you out with what to study.

Well, since you know that you need to improve tactics, that is definitely a good start. Both of these sites are free, tactics-based puzzles that should help with improving your tactics.
However, I would recommend checking out Winning Chess Tactics by Yasser Seirawan. A clear, easy to understand book that covers just about everything. I do not personally own this book, but I've heard nothing but great things about it.

Finding a chess club is a great way to get experience playing chess, and isn't nearly as intimidating as the first multi-day tournament.

I'm not sure if this book would be too "basic" for you, but The Complete Guide to Chess Strategy by Jeremy Silman is a good book that covers everything from basic opening theory to middlegame basics, pawn structure, rook endgames, and attack in the middlegame. See if you can't get a sample of it on Amazon.com, and see if it looks good to you.

Hiya.

I'll go with my standard recommendation for how to improve - head to chesscafe.com, click the archives link, and look at Dan Heisman's Novice Nook column. One of his earlier articles was a generic study plan. Start with that, then catch up on the rest of his articles.

--Fromper

Definitely agree with Fromper with regard to Dan Hesiman's Novice Nook column.

I'd also recommend checking out Heisman's tactics book recommendations for novices: NM Dan Heisman's Chess Book Recommendations