How to beat the easy computer - in 7 simple steps

Step 1. Arrange to play him in a 5 minute game or slower computers tend to be very strong in faster chess.

Step 2. Develop all of your pieces very actively.

Step 3. Get the computer out of the book. This will tend to result in the computer making a blunder in the next 2 to 5 moves.

Step 4. Don't make a blunder yourself! However poor the computer may be. He will usually spot tactics that occur 1 move to 2 moves ahead. A simple tactics check will sort this out.

Step 5. Trade off pieces to a winning endgame. Be careful however, the computers strongest point is probably when there are few pieces on the board.

Step 6. Queen a pawn and win the game.

Step 7. (optional) rematch the computer and win all over again.

Step 7 may help you to win more points. For some reason the computer is ranked 1100 when his overall playing strength is like 700.

Good luck!

I've beaten the easy computer in two easy steps once, here's the game:

Steps 2 and 4 are generally good advice.