Simple Checklist For Beginners

Chess is an amazing game. At the same time, it probably is one of the most frustrating games ever invented on planet earth.

Imagine for a second that you are playing a game and raiding your opponent. You are winning and it is obvious to both players. However, your opponent manages to set up a last-ditch checkmating attack and you miss it because you are too caught up in trying to scoop up all those pawns.

We've all been there. Ask anyone and they will tell you that it happens. 

How do you prevent that? Here is a checklist you can implement in your gameplay:

1. Where did my opponent just move?

This question is extremely important because often times we get so caught up in our attacking plans that we attempt to carry them out while ignoring the moves that our opponents make. Honestly, this is the difference between a 500 rapid and a 1200 rapid. This question is the base of the next couple questions on the checklist.

2. Are any of my pieces under attack?

Often times we get so caught up in attacking that we hang a piece and lose our winning advantage. Usually it costs us the game. I am a firm believer that anyone under 1000 rapid can make huge improvements in rating just by focusing on eliminating simple blunders such as hanging pieces.

3. Are my opponents' pieces linking up?

What I mean by this is simple. Are the bishop and the queen on the same diagonal? if so, what are they pointing at? Are the rooks (and or queen) on the same file or rank? What are they threatening? How can I prevent an attack? Is my piece adequately defended?

4. Do I have any checks?

This can be extremely important because it can help you see possible mating patterns in your games. 

5. Are any of my opponent's pieces hanging?

This is down right simple, but don't move until you can safely check the next part! You want to make sure that your opponent isn't trying to bait you into falling for a trap, right? Look and see what will be strengthened/weakened by your move. Are you no longer protecting a critical square? Could your move cost you the game? Can your opponent trap your piece? If so, is it worth it? 

6. Look for weaknesses that your opponent may have caused with their last move.

Did they allow you to play checkmate or capture a free piece? Can you break up their pawn chain and cause weaknesses in their pawn structure?

7. Am I up material?

If so, it might be a good idea to start trading pieces so that your opponent has less to use for counter-play. If not, it would probably be good to avoid trades for the time being.

Remember, you don't always have to take a piece, sometimes tension is good.

Oftentimes all we need to do is take a second, step back, and think about everything that is going on. It's a simple idea that is easily forgotten. Try writing it out on a notecard and keep it near you when you play as a reminder. 

You don't need to be drawing arrows like Hikaru and you don't need to be quoting Gothamchess.

Take a second and think. There really isn't anything special about it, nothing "glittery".