5 Common Beginner Mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Let's cut to the chase, beginners make mistakes. So, today I am going to identify 5 common mistakes and help beginners avoid them.

1. No Plan

Many starters don't have a plan when playing chess. If there is no plan it will be hard to achieve checkmate!

Do This: Look at the board and pieces. Then think of ways to set up your pieces to get a checkmate!

2. Pointless Moves
Lots of beginners move a piece just because they have to and this is huge mistake because each move could be a move for checkmate!
Do This: Make moves that help achieve your plan 

3. Not Thinking Before Moving

Beginners tend to move without thinking about the consequences. This usually ends up with their piece getting captured.

Do This: Before moving, see if your opponent is already controlling that square and only move if you are sure that they aren't.

4. Understand Your Opponent's Moves

Sometimes, beginners fixate on their own moves, neglecting their opponent's move. Beginners may end up in losing a unprotected piece, missing out on capturing an opponent's unprotected piece, or getting checkmated.

Do This: Once your opponent moves, ask yourself why did they move that? Try to predict what they will move next.

5. Confidence

Losing confidence is the last thing you want while playing chess! Losing confidence makes you lose interest in the game you're playing which causes you to make a blunder and lose. 

Do This: Don't give up! Just because you lost your queen doesn't mean you can't checkmate!

I hope you were able to find something that will help you improve your chess game!

Until next time,

legotbm