How to Stop Getting Checkmated

As a beginning chess player, you often get frustrated when you realize that your opponent has checkmated you with a simple battery. It makes you look like a fool. This happens too often. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting checkmated.

1) Watch for squares that multiple of your opponents pieces are targeting.

In this position, it is clear that black is trying to form an attack against white's kingside with it's bishop-queen battery. When making a move, white should consider the consequences of what would happen if the center opened up.

2) Counterattacking

If your opponent has some scary attacks, attack right back with a counterattack. Remember, the king is always more important than the queen and should be considered first.

3) Watch for traps

Traps often explot the weak square of your king (for example, when playing black, watch out for the f7 square and the h7 square when you castle). Knowing what some sacrifices and traps out can help tremendously with identifying them. Learn your basic openings. It will help you stop making inaccuracies in early game.