Getting frustrated. Good at solving daily puzzles but haven’t won a single game.

I got into chess very recently, to the point of obsession. I’ve spent countless hours watching videos on different openings and learning strategies, both from black and white.

While I’m getting good and quick at solving daily puzzles on chess.com, I have yet to win a single full chess game, even if I’m playing a beginner. I’ve been more comfortable playing bots because I don’t feel the pressure of embarrassment, but I know that I should be playing real people to improve. I don’t know what it is about playing a full game from the beginning that intimidates me so much; I get completely stuck toward the middle of the game as most new beginners do. I am also not sure what speed is ideal for a beginner 15/10?

Also, I recently played another real player and it came down to a standoff, but I couldn’t even understand why it was a standoff. It seemed like he won, and I couldn’t make a single legal move. I wish I would’ve take a screenshot. He offered a draw, but I gave up because it just made no sense to me why he didn’t win when it seemed like he absolutely did.

I really think that I need to play people who are good at chess who can explain where I go wrong. I know that lichess has game analysis but I am not quite sure how to use it. If anyone could explain like I’m 5, that would be helpful.

I’ve been really enjoying learning about chess, and I don’t want to give up on this new hobby just because of pride.

At this point, it feels like I need to pay someone to walk me through my mistakes, because no other strategy is working for me, but I’m sure that’s extreme.

How long did it take you to win your first game?