The Basics of Chess for Beginners

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Zamo]Joshua Zamo
Hello and thank you for being here reading my article.
In this article I plan on sharing with you some of the basics of chess to help you understand how the game is played and a few basic set up rules.
One thing I want you to know is that chess is a game of skill and as any skill it can be learned. If you are really serious about learning chess and getting better it will take some discipline on your part to take time and study the game, analyze your games and play A LOT of games to improve.
Nothing can replace the experience of just simply playing more games and different opponents. Once you get the courage to play your first game, then your second, then your third you will begin to find what playing style you are comfortable with and start dominating your opponents.
Now let's get into a few of the basics.
Chess is a two player board game, one player plays with white pieces and one player plays with dark pieces. Each player begins with 16 pieces and take turns moving one piece at a time across the board.
The opponent with the light pieces moves first and you can think of your chess pieces as your army of soldiers going to war. The main objective of the game is to attack your opponent, eat as many of their pieces as possible and ultimately trap their king which is called "checkmate".
Although your main objective is to trap your opponents King this may not be the case every game. There are a couple other ways that a game can end:
One way is a stalemate where neither opponent can checkmate the other OR when one players king is NOT in check but is trapped in such a way that no matter where he moves he would be putting himself in check which is not a legal move.
Another form of stalemate is when both opponents have captured all of each others pieces EXCEPT for their kings. This is a stalemate because you can't checkmate with only the kings on the board.
The last and final way that a game can end is if one player throws in the towel and quits. Although you should not EVER quit a game you can do this by simply knocking over your king and let your opponent know you are quitting.
The reason you should never quit a game is because you never know what can happen and all it takes is ONE mistake from your opponent for you to completely take over the game.
One quick tip to remember is whoever controls the center 4 squares controls the game and is in a better position to attack. So keep this in mind when you play your first game.
One thing I learned very early in my chess career was to always be attacking and protecting. This means you always want to attack your opponent while still protecting your pieces. If you can keep your opponent retreating then you are in good shape.
Now I encourage you to go and play your first game. There are many places where you can play against other beginners players. One of the more popular places to play is at chess.com.
If you still don't feel comfortable playing your first game and feel you need to learn a few more things I am going to follow up this article with with a couple more articles like how to set up the board properly and how each piece moves.
If you would like to learn more about chess right now you can got to my [http://www.howtoplaychessforbeginners.com]How To Play Chess Beginners website.
You also do need a chess board if you would like to play offline I wrote a review on where to find a great [http://howtoplaychessforbeginners.com/chess-sets-for-sale/wooden-chess-set/]Wooden Chess Set if you would like to check that out.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Basics-of-Chess-for-Beginners&id=6358321] The Basics of Chess for Beginners

The Most Popular Board Games For Kids

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_Andersen]Tom Andersen
What are the most popular board games for kids? There are many popular games in the market and fortunately many of them are geared towards learning skills such as counting, learning new vocabulary or history and geography.
In the list of the most popular board games for kids, we include Chutes and Ladders. Chutes and Ladders is a classic counting game, designed for younger children. This game encourages kids to count, add and subtract. How did the game come to existence? It was played widely in Ancient India and was based on a moral law called "the ladder to salvation". The ladders represented virtues such as humility, generosity, faith etc, and the snakes represented vices. The game reached Victorian England late in the 19th century and developed into a game to teach good morals to young children. It came to America in the 1940s where it also became very popular. Overall Chutes and Ladders is an excellent tool that helps kids practice counting.
Another of the most popular board games for kids is Monopoly. Parents may not realize it but this board game can help children run additions, subtractions and multiplications. There is also a junior edition which is designed for younger children. Kids enjoy playing with money and this can enhance their math skills in no time.
There are also games that can help children acquire new vocabulary. Apples to Apples is word board game designed for children ages 8 and up and which received numerous awards. It encourages children to read and memorize new vocabulary. In the Apples to Apples word board game, each player is dealt seven red apple cars on which is printed a noun. The judge lays down an adjective for everybody to see. Then players scramble to find a card that best matches the judge's card. The judge then decides who has the best result. The game is very entertaining and kids can enhance their vocabulary skills in no time.
There are games focused on geography and history which are very popular. For instance, Brain Quest Around the World can help children learn about cities and countries. In this game, children answer questions about different cities and explore the world. There are also games infused with history themes. They are usually focused on a particular time period or historical event (for instance, history of the USA, Ancient Rome or Ancient Egypt). These are great games especially if you looking to get those history grades up!
For more information on the most popular board games for kids, please visit http://www.smart-kid-educational-games.com/childrens-board-games.html
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Most-Popular-Board-Games-For-Kids&id=6374701] The Most Popular Board Games For Kids

My Arkham Horror Boardgame Review - Hands On Play

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dean_Olmstead]Dean Olmstead
Arkham Horror is a boardgame that isn't for the faint of heart. I discovered this after a wonderful Saturday evening of running through a game with my brother and a few beers in tow. Now, I need to spend some more time with Arkham Horror to truly learn the depths that it contains, but it is safe to say that this is one heck of a big, fun game.
First, a little history. Arkham Horror is a boardgame based upon the works of a writer named H.P. Lovecraft. I won't get into too much detail about the writer here, but a quick rundown is that he wrote horror novels with a sci-fi flavor that are set in the 1920s. One of the main ideas behind his short stories and novellas is that there are ancient gods who don't even care about our existence. You play as investigators who are attempting to close "gates" that are letting the creatures or gods through. I highly recommend reading the works of Lovecraft if any of this sounds even the least bit intriguing, as it is really fun stuff (although the language he uses can be a bit tough to slog through).
The beautiful color gameboard that is included represents locations in the imaginary town of Arkham, a mid-size town that is sort of like a 1920s Boston. On the right side is what is called the Other World, locations that connect to Arkham through the previously mentioned gates. The Other World represents locations in other planes where the old gods (and creatures) reside. I love the artwork here, it is really top notch.
Here is a break down of the way things go: each person playing controls a character with differing sets of attributes. These characters go around the board trying to close gates or tackle the great old ones head on. The typical game turn is broken down into a few phases, namely: upkeep, movement, encounters in Arkham, encounters in the Other Worlds and then finally the creatures (or mythos, as they are commonly referred to in this setting) turn. As you a character lands on different locations they can gain money, buy items, or even gain allies to help them in their fight.
A unique thing about this game is that you and your fellow players are competing against the board and not each other. This makes it more cooperative than head to head. You can also play solo, just you and your lonesome taking on the board and creatures. The randomness of the encounters make it interesting and give it a ton of replay.
That said, this boardgame isn't for everyone. You don't need to be a Lovecraft fan, but it does help. It has a huge amount of pieces (over 700) so it takes a bit to set up. And the subject matter makes it a game you don't really want to play with the family (unless of course your family has relatives from Dagoth - stupid joke, I know).
But if you love deep boardgames, this one is considered the pinnacle. The company has done a fantastic job of bringing the work of Lovecraft to the tabletop! [http://revuwd.com/arkham-horror/]Click Here Now to find out more about the Arkham Horror Boardgame! [http://revuwd.com/arkham-horror/]Arkham Horror Boardgame Review!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?My-Arkham-Horror-Boardgame-Review---Hands-On-Play&id=6372802] My Arkham Horror Boardgame Review - Hands On Play

How Do You Play Sudoku Logically?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Larry_Dickinson]Larry Dickinson
Beginning Sudoku solvers often ask the question, how do you play Sudoku? Is there a logical way to arrive at the answer? The answer is yes. Sudoku solving is all about logic and recognizing patterns.
Where To Start
Look for the number with the most solved cells. The more solved cells, the better. Use these solved cell numbers in a cross hatch fashion. By doing so, you are eliminating the columns and rows where that particular number can reside. This is a good way to find naked and hidden singles patterns.
Once you solve a cell, be sure to check the effect it has on other cells in the same row, column, or 3x3 box. Often, you will be able to use the solved cell and solve another cell.
Pencil In Candidates
Penciling in candidates is a very useful technique. You can choose to only enter pairs of candidates as you need them, or enter all the candidates for each unsolved cell. When you enter all the candidates, you need to use candidate elimination techniques.
This is where a knowledge of simple to complex patterns will help you solve empty cells. Let us say you have a matching pair of candidates 2 and 4 in two cells in the same row, column, or 3x3 box. You can use these two cells to eliminate the same candidates in any other cells in the same row, column, or 3x3 box.
The logic is simple. If two cells in a row, column, or 3x3 box are restricted to the pair 2 and 4, then one of the cells will be a 2 and the other will be a 4. At the moment you don't know which, but it doesn't matter. Therefore, you can safely eliminate the 2 and 4 candidates from the same row, column, or 3x3 box where the pair resides.
You can use this technique for many patterns including triples, and quads. Sometimes it will be hard to spot these patterns because other candidates in the cells hide the pair, triple, or quad pattern.
There are more advanced patterns and techniques you need to master in order to solve fiendish Sudoku puzzles. Learn them, and there will not be a Sudoku puzzle you cannot solve using logic and without guessing.
So how do you play Sudoku? By recognizing patterns, applying logic, and eliminating candidates you solve the cells one by one.
Larry Dickinson is the webmaster for the popular [http://www.sudokuessentials.com/]Sudoku website SudokuEssentials.com. Come and learn a few [http://www.sudokuessentials.com/sudoku_tips.html]Sudoku tips and play Sudoku Savant online.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Do-You-Play-Sudoku-Logically?&id=6386626] How Do You Play Sudoku Logically?

Rules for Playing Yahtzee

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Hagai_Eisenberg]Hagai Eisenberg
Yahtzee is one of the classic dice games that involve the use of 5 dice. It can be played by a single or more than one player, who is required to roll the dice up to three times. It comes with 13 rounds, and when a player rolls the dice, he or she is supposed to score the roll in one of these categories. It is a must for them to score once in each, meaning that there are categories that may end up with zero score. Each category comes with its own rules.
To roll the Dice
When playing the game, the player is supposed to role the dice by clicking on the Roll all button. Once they have rolled it, they are required to score the current roll or opt to roll one or all of the five dice again.
The re-rolling of the some of the dice, the players should click on a toggle button beneath the dice they want to role and simply click on the re-roll button. They can only re-roll the dice three times in total: The initial roll, which involves rolling all dice and two, re-rolls, of any or all of the dice. When the three rolls are over, the players must score the roll.
Once the roll for the first category has been scored, the players must proceed to rolling the dice until they have scored for all 13 categories, signaling the end of the game.
Scoring In Yahtzee
Once the players have the dice face combination they want to score, they should click on the radio buttons of either the lower or upper scores box. Once they score a category, it is closed out for the entire game, meaning that they have no chance to make any changes to it. The scoring consists of:
� The Upper scores- The players only total the specified scores on the die face. At the end of the game, the players who score 63 points and over will get an upper bonus of 35 points.
� Lower scores- In this version, the players will score a set amount, as defined by the category or a zero when they miss out on the requirements of the category. Some of the lower scores include:
o 3 and 4 of kind- players will have at least 3 and 4 of the same die faces respectively
o Straights- scores a consecutive die faces
o Full house- players score 3 of a kind and a pair
o Yahtzee- all faces of the die are the same
Before playing [http://www.yahtzeeonline.org/]yahtzee, it is important for players to learn about the different [http://www.yahtzeeonline.org/]yahtzee rules so that they can play their game effectively to score high points.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Rules-for-Playing-Yahtzee&id=6407013] Rules for Playing Yahtzee

Why the Board Game Go Is So Popular

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steven_Barnhart]Steven Barnhart
Few games in the world have withstood the test of time quite like the board game Go has. People have been challenging opponents to this game of strategy, balance, and skill for centuries. While it originated in the Eastern world, it has now grown in popularity in the Americas, European countries, and beyond, too. So just what is it about this particular game that has given it the lasting power to remain popular across the generations, the centuries, and the oceans, too? Here are a few things to consider:
Skill Level: While there are numerous variations, generally, the board game Go is played on a board that is sectioned off into squares, and by laying pieces onto this board, you gain more and more control of the territory. However, the rules require the use of a great deal of strategy and planning to maintain and expand your territory, as the opponent is constantly trying to counteract your actions. The board sizes vary, and smaller sizes create less of a challenge and are more suitable for beginning players. The larger boards give those who have been playing for years plenty of a challenge, so the game truly can grow with you as your skills in strategy grow.
All Ages: Many games of challenge are simply not suitable for all ages, but the board game Go is one of those games that many parents start playing with their kids at a young age. With the beginner game sets, this can be played with youngsters who are still trying to figure out how to strategize. The skills and way of thinking involved in this game are great for the developing minds of youngsters, too. Many parents prefer their little ones to spend time enjoying this interactive and time-tested experience over the mind-numbing experience that video games can offer.
Variations: As mentioned earlier, there are many different variations that you can experiment with. When you have a game that has been around for centuries such as this one, there are sure to be variations, and that's just what you find with this one. As each different culture experienced playing this, they made their own changes to it, so you may find differences in board sizes, rules, pieces, and more in different parts of the world. However, you don't have to travel to these various parts of the world to enjoy the thrill and challenge that the variations offer. Instead, you can order different variations online to really expand your play options.
Challenging and Fun: Perhaps the most significant reason that the board game Go has enjoyed the honor and prestige of being just one of a handful of games that have not just remained popular but that have actually increased in popularity over the years is because it is just so much fun to play. The rules inspire challenge, yet it is entirely suitable and even fun for young and old to play together, too. If you don't have this on-hand at home to play, you are certainly missing out!
The   board game go is a great game of strategy, an easy game to learn by all ages, but will be hard to master making it an ideal board game for the players that enjoy a challenge! http://www.thegamesupply.com/gogames
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-the-Board-Game-Go-Is-So-Popular&id=6427199] Why the Board Game Go Is So Popular

Mahjong Sets: Experience the Classic Game

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steven_Barnhart]Steven Barnhart
With the Internet, phone apps, and more, a lot of people are being exposed to games that they might not have ever had the chance to play otherwise, or even hear about for that matter! The fact is that Mahjong sets have offered countless generations in the Eastern world with hours and hours of fun, skill, and strategy. While popular in the Eastern world for centuries, the game largely became known to those on continents like Europe, North America, and South America through these phone apps and computer games. However, the versions on the computer and phones do not offer you quite the same experience. You will want to take some time to experience the classic game that started it all if you enjoy playing the digital versions of it!
Game Sets. The first thing you will want to do if you want to experience the thrill and challenge of the classic game is to purchase your very own Mahjong sets for your home. There is some variation in the options available, and you will find the best selection in terms of price and style alike by shopping at a game or toy website online. Because this game in its classic form isn't as popular in the West as it is in the East, purchasing online is truly your best option. As you shop around, a carrying case or bag for your set is a "must." Keep in mind that your set will come with approximately 136 or 144 tiles, not to mention the other pieces involved in the game, too.
Tournaments. If you try out your Mahjong sets at home and find that you enjoy playing the classic version, as so many others around the globe do, you may want to consider looking for a tournament to play in near your home. While the game isn't quite as popular in Western cultures as it is in the East, it is still a widely popular game that has a huge following, so you likely can find tournament-style play somewhere close to home. This will give you the chance to improve your skills and try out your hand against a wide range of other players. Plus, tournaments of this kind are just plain fun!
Variations. If you enjoy playing the classic version, you likely will also want to take some time to research variations of play. As with many different types of games that have grown in popularity around the globe and that have been around for centuries, different variations have cropped up around the world and these unique versions can really offer your whole family as well as your group of friends some fun while you experiment with them. You often can spend just a little time researching them and then starting playing them right away.
Plenty to Choose From. As you can see, Mahjong sets can really open up some fun and exciting doors for you to enjoy with friends, family, and even other players at tournaments, too! Take time today to order your own set so you can start playing the classic game at home.
If you are new to the board game mahjong and need to invest in a   mahjong set there are several options you have in regards to the case, the tile and the theme of your set. http://www.thegamesupply.com/mahjong
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Mahjong-Sets:-Experience-the-Classic-Game&id=6441448] Mahjong Sets: Experience the Classic Game