begin by opening

Originally posted by kmac27
start with book openings, but don't just learn the lines of the opening that is pointless. if you know an opening but dont know much about the strategy behind it then you'll do bad regardless of the opening. learn if this opening has a plan for a wing attack or do your bring your rooks up the center to open the board with attacking chances.

hmm, that may be my problem, I have literally memorised some openings, but as soon as I have to deviate from this anything can happen. I get the feeling sometimes, when playing stronger more experienced players, they get frustrated if you do not follow a strategy.