If you are a serious chess player you will probably already have looked at how the Internet can help you improve your game.

Below are some simple guidelines about what to look for in a chess web site and how they can help you play better chess.

Where do I start? The first thing is not to expect too much. Quite simply because there IS too much out there. Instead for the first few times simply look about the web and get to know what sites you like the look and feel of. The best looking sites dont always give the best or most enjoyable time online though so watch out for this.

Research the author. Remember on the Internet not all is how it would seem. Authors, instructors and so called experts are sometimes only experts in their own eyes. That having been said there are some great advisors who dont have any qualifications at all. It depends on what you are looking for in the first place.

Go to some forums. The best thing in my mind about the web is that it is a great place to talk to like-minded people. People who play chess like to discuss opening moves or how to avoid getting trapped. The chess community is quite close knit but a lot of great discussions about chess are going on right now, so check out some chess forums.

Here you will also find some great resources to help you improve your chess game.

Chess Software. Nothing beats human opponents but in the absence of a fellow chess fanatic you can download some superb chess software to play against. Again, this is so varied that it can be quite confusing. The best advice again, is to know what you are looking for, then browse the web till you get it. Dont pay for a subscription service till you have tried free resources first. You might find you ideal chess opponent is a computer, you never know.

Get a coach online. You can get an online chess coach to help you improve your game. They are varied in their approach, usefulness and simple enjoyment level.

Ask about in the chess forums and you will soon find out the best one for you.

The bottom line is. Know what you want from the Internet to improve your game. Look for it and do some research. Find a great chess site like www.chessclubs.inbritain.info and look at whats on offer there. Dont forget, know what you want first then look for it. Enjoy your quest and improve your chess game.