Tips for people under 600 elo

♟️ 1. Control the Center
Try to control the center of the board (especially squares e4, d4, e5, d5) with your pawns and pieces.
Start with moves like 1.e4 or 1.d4 as White.
 
♞ 2. Develop Your Pieces Early
Bring out your knights and bishops before moving the same piece twice or pushing too many pawns.
Rule of thumb: Knights before bishops, usually.
 
♔ 3. Castle Early
Castle kingside or queenside to get your king safe and connect your rooks.
Avoid leaving your king in the center for too long—it’s vulnerable there.
 
🚫 4. Don’t Move the Same Piece Twice in the Opening
Focus on developing all your pieces first, not just dancing one knight or bishop around.
 
🎯 5. Don’t Go Pawn-Hunting Early
Avoid taking pawns if it delays your development or opens your king to danger.
Material isn’t worth it if you get checkmated.
 
🔍 6. Watch Out for Your Opponent’s Threats
After every move, ask yourself:
👉 What did my opponent just threaten?
👉 What are they trying to do next?
 
🧠 7. Think Before You Move
Don’t play moves instantly—look for checks, captures, and threats.
Use this simple scan: “If I go here, what can my opponent do?”
 
♜ 8. Use All Your Pieces
Beginners often forget their rooks and queens—activate them once your other pieces are out.
Don't play the queen too early; she’s powerful but easily targeted.
 
🎓 9. Learn Basic Checkmates
Practice simple mates like:

King and queen vs. king
King and rook vs. king
Back rank mate
 
📚 10. Play Slow and Review Games
Play longer games (15+ minutes) instead of blitz.
Afterward, go over the game (even by yourself) and ask:

Why did I lose that piece?
What could I have done better?