DONE
I’ve listed the tips I have so far. If I come up with a new one, it’ll probably be a variation of something already here! I’ll keep updating this forum with new posts and, from now on, focus mostly on sharing screen examples or expanding on earlier tips.
I often play against opponents rated below 1500, only to realize they are playing at an 1800 level or higher."
When a low-rated player has a question mark after their rating, it means they are new to the game. It is usually safe to assume they are weak players rather than advanced players hiding behind a deliberately created low rating.
(intermediate)
Magnify to Count
I just lost a game because I miscounted the pawns. I thought I had captured eight pawns when I had actually captured seven—there was one left. My opponent had only a king and one pawn. I had a queen and four pawns and still lost because that last pawn advanced, promoted to a queen, and captured my king.
On a small screen, pawns are easy to miscount. The solution?
Magnify the screen. On a desktop, pressing the Control and plus keys together does it. Figure out how to do this on your phone or device. You need it—especially if you’re about seventy years old like me…