Beginner Instruction Ignores Basics

If you already know the relative values and the opening principles but are struggling to get your rating above 500 then this blog may have useful exercises for you. Even if you're already rated 1000 you may be interested in testing how well you can solve these basic puzzles.

Inspired by Findgold's video here where he talks about how some instructors skip the basics without realizing it, I decided to make a few puzzles that cover those basics. It's also inspired by many questions I've seen in the forums from beginners who, when I check their games, are doing a lot of good things like developing their pieces and castling, but their ratings may be near 100.

There are 10 categories with 3 puzzles each. The first 5 categories involve fundamentals that are directly related to why beginners lose, but I've never seen puzzles like this (except at the end of Finegold's video, which inspired them). The last 5 categories are more advanced because they get into fundamental tactics.

I use these skills in my games all the time. While doing these puzzles (and when reviewing your games) it may help to think in terms of types of moves. How can a queen check a king? Along a rank, file, or diagonal. How can a king get out of that check? By running away, moving a piece in between, or capturing the queen. In games it's very useful to identify threats, captures, and checks and to review all of your options before choosing your move.

Answers to exercises are at the bottom.