This section will cover some of the common mistakes and some tips to improve your chess strategy. Chess is not a game where there is not a perfect move for every situation.
Thus, I recommend starting out by playing a computer and practicing your openings. Even though this guide is about openings, you must practice often and through the entire game to become a good chess player.
Link versus computer: https://www.chess.com/play/computer
Figure 1 – Buttons on the chess.com board
When playing against the computer, a great way to learn where the next best move is to utilize the light bulb button (hint) in Figure 1. Once you have a basic understanding of the openings, this hint button can be a great way to understand how to react to different situations because the computer usually does not play the same moves each game.
Tip #1 – Do NOT move same piece twice in the opening
Try to avoid moving the same piece twice in the early game unless absolutely necessary. The early moves are meant to develop your minor pieces first (pawn, bishop, and knight) to set up your attack and defense.
Tip #2 – Remember to castle your king
Your king’s safety is the top priority and castling your king puts your king in a better position.
Warning: Try not to move the 3 pawns in front of the king because they provide a good line of defense.
Note: However, the pawns will need to be moved at some point late in the game when your rook is no longer protecting the king. Those 3 pawns that were protecting your king can now act as a trap for an easy checkmate.
Tip #3 – Know your piece’s value
Your queen is your most valuable piece besides the king. Therefore, do NOT exchange it for a weaker piece and to always remember to make sure your queen is safe. Also, bishops are considered more valuable than knights and should be considered during exchanges with these pieces.
- Queen = 9 points
- Rook = 5 points
- Knight and Bishop = 3 points
- Pawn = 1 point
Tip #4 – Always think ahead
Chess is a very complex game and memorizing a few openings will not make you a great player. Being able to adapt and plan ahead will allow you to take advantage of your opponent’s mistakes; thus, resulting in you winning more games. Also, do not be afraid if someone does not respond to the opening to how you are used to or what you practiced with. When this occurs, focus on the essentials of taking control of the center of the board and protecting your king.
Additional Links
In-depth explanation to move pieces and special rules: https://www.chess.com/learn-how-to-play-chess
Principles of the Endgame: https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-principles-of-the-endgame—-for-beginner
Quick links: