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Improve Your Chess Skills With These 9 Expert Tips

Improve Your Chess Skills With These 9 Expert Tips

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1. WORK HARD

Chess is a game of skill. That means it requires lots of hard work. Schedule times for practice, reading and studying.

2. HAVE FUN

Because chess is so demanding to play, it’s easy to forget to simply have fun while sitting at the board. Smile, laugh and enjoy the thrill of competition.

3. FIND YOUR STYLE

You might feel more comfortable defending your pieces, or maybe you have a knack for attacking. Either way, identify your style so you can steer the game in that direction. Plus, identifying your strengths will help you improve your weaknesses.

4. DON’T GIVE UP

Kayden says there have been plenty of times he was able to draw or win games others thought he should have lost. That’s because he doesn’t let errors get him down. If you make a mistake, it’s easy to give up or mentally check out. Don’t!

Chances are, if you keep playing and stay positive, you’ll see things aren’t as bad as you thought.

5. PLAY OFTEN

Whether it’s with family, friends or on your smartphone, find a way to play daily. There are plenty of great resources for anyone interested in playing chess, from newbie to expert.

6. CONTROL THE CENTER

The four squares in the center of the board are ideal to have in your control. That’s the gateway to the rest of the board, allowing you to move your pieces wherever you want. Just be careful about leaving your king in the middle of the board too long; it exposes that all-important piece to attacks.

7. DEVELOP YOUR PIECES

Some people get caught up pushing pawns or focusing on one specific piece. Use the full arsenal of each of your pieces. They’re there for a reason. Move them off their first position and get them in the fight!

8. WATCH YOUR QUEEN EARLY

Your queen is the strongest piece. Sometimes players get too eager to move it out and start attacking. Instead, allow your opponent to develop his pieces before moving your queen into the mix.

9. CALCULATE IT

Calculating is the term for looking four or five or more moves ahead of what’s currently on the board. It’s a skill that needs to be developed over time, but one that separates good players from great ones.