Learning to Learn

One challenge I had 20 yrs ago was in learning to play chess was finding appropriate resources.  This was pre-internet days, so no webservers for playing, no forums for helpful hints, and no amazon for finding cheap books. I did get a Comprehensive Chess Course (vol 1 & 2) from the USCF that was helpful with basic tactics.  I see that this series has progressed after 20 yrs with a few more books.  Fast forward, I stumbled through getting some books and further research told me they were too advanced for where I was skill wise.  Then I found a great portal site, www.chesscafe.com and specifically, Dan Heisman's monthly Novice Nook column.  Dan is a master level player (2200+) and a full time instructor.  He coined the term "Real Chess" which I used in my blog name, so credit goes to him.  I started reading his (100+) columns and following his guidelines and within one month I experienced a significant improvement in my level of play.  His article introducing "Real Chess" can be found at www.chesscafe.com/text/real.txt.  The first thing I did was using most of my time for the game - not moving too quickly.  I still struggle a little with this when playing kids who play a lot of "blitz" chess (games in 5 minutes), but generally feel I'm pretty consistent in this area.  I've started working on studying tactics in order to recognize them better and quicker, and will soon start some board visualizing exercises to help me see move possibilities quicker.  I think I have a much better plan of study now then I ever had 20 yrs ago.  I just need the time to implement it more than I have these past 7 months.