The queen starts on her own color.
best advice given

FOCUS!!! This is still my best advice to my players. But I tend to break it by playing 5 boards at the same time.

Be patient. Don't blunder by making a move that looks good without seeing the bishop all the way across the board (don't. I've lost many a queen to that). In addition, if you see a good move, unless it's checkmate, look for a better one.

If asked, you should be able to explain every move you play clearly using chess terminology. It's served me well.

This is my advice to you. Before you make your move, look real carefully at what your opponentis trying to do to you. this is usually good for the middlegame to the endgame.

What improved my game the most was the advice I found in IM Jeremy Silman's book the amateurs mind, especially the part about the interplay between bishop and knights.
Besides that, I would have to say my Dad's advice to me that losing was not something to be ashamed of and that each time I lose I should try to see what I did wrong and use it as an opportunity to improve my game. In fact he said that losing helps you improve your game far more than winning ever could. This advice has helped me too constantly get better and to keep a positive outlook on chess whether I win or lose.
Whats the best chess advice you where ever given?
The best advice I was ever given was to be patient, which is advice I should follow more in my games to avoid costly mistakes.