New to Chess! Top Tips To Help

You joined chess.com about 2 years ago. Not all "beginners" are equal because some might be learning the rules for the first time and some others might have known about chess for several years.

How you progress depends on what you already know and how to learn more. Perhaps we could recommend more tailored advice if you give us a short backstory to your chess and what things you feel like you know and what things you aren't as confident in.

You might have already heard about chess "opening principles" then, but if you haven't, this is a foundational concept to look into and understand: https://www.chess.com/blog/KeSetoKaiba/opening-principles-again

Opening Principles is enough opening knowledge for a while. Many beginners make the mistake of trying to memorize many opening variations while not really understanding the reason those moves are played; it is better to know the reasoning behind the moves than to just memorize a few lines which are unlikely to come up in their games anytime soon.

For beginning players, I recommend starting with learning basic checkmates and basic theoretical endgames; this will give you a better idea of what kinds of positions you are aiming for during the entire game.

Always feel free to message me if you ever have any chess specific questions. I also have a chess YouTube channel which is about helping others improve their chess:

https://www.youtube.com/@kesetokaiba/videos

I'll offer a few:

1. The slower the time control, the better. I would recommend playing 30|0 games (meaning 30 minutes for both sides, and when each person moves, no one gains any seconds)

2. Think about what your opponent's pieces are attacking and defending. Do the same for your pieces.

3. Do tactics. 3 to 5 a day will really help you out.

Want more advice? Hire me as your free coach (No I am not kidding, I'm free for now. I'm trying to get feedback on how students like my teaching.)

Although it's better explained visually, I'll explain it to you in words.

We call that en passant. You can do this when a pawn moves 2 squares forward on its first turn, then if your pawn is next to his, you can take it like a regular pawn (meaning diagonally).

Hope that helps!

Improving at chess can be quite challenging, but there are various ways to enhance your skills.

For those looking to improve without coaching, here's some valuable advice:

1. Play Frequently: The more you play, the better you'll become at recognizing patterns and making strategic decisions.
2. Analyze Your Games: Review your past games to identify mistakes and areas where you can improve. This self-analysis is a powerful learning tool.
3. Focus on Tactics: Tactics play a crucial role in chess. Spend time solving tactical puzzles and exercises to sharpen your tactical skills.
4. Learn from Masters: Studying grandmaster games can provide insights into advanced strategies and tactics.

Feel free to check out this article for more in-depth advice: https://www.gautamnarula.com/how-to-get-good-at-chess-fast

Additionally, I have a YouTube series where I share chess insights and strategies, which you might find helpful: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUrgfsyInqNa1S4i8DsGJwzx1Uhn2AqlT

Best of luck with your chess journey! If you'd like more personalized guidance or coaching, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I offer one-on-one coaching sessions where we can dive deeper into your specific needs.

Your pretty good for a beginner. Here is a hierarchy -

Step 1 - Learn basic tactics such as pin, fork, discovered attack, skewer, discovered check. Learn 2 rook mate and backrank mate.

Step 2 - Start with openings. Learn the Italian Game. Learn 1 queen mate. Learn to defend against scholars mate and also don't play it.

Step 3 - Start learning openings. Here is a tip - Don't use one opening for your whole life or change openings everyday, instead you should play a opening for 2 - 3 months and then change.

Step 4 - Learn the tactic opposition. Learn 1 rook mate and 2 bishop mate.

By the time you complete these steps and play enough games, you should know your strengths and weaknesses and should be able to make a future plan yourself. All the best!!!

Imo learning the king's indian setup is better than the italian cuz it allows you to be fully safe from the fried livers and scholars mates. It allows some sneaky tactics too https://youtu.be/kK0cq6UBt1Y?si=ZF4RmcZrI2OBIxAX

Here is a trap to remember

It is extremely easy to learn and is playable from both sides. Try to mess around with that

Improving Your Chess - Resources for Beginners and Beyond...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/improving-your-chess-resources-for-beginners-and-beyond

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell

I'm reporting you for harrassment.

Imagine being so vulnerable

@Puzzleslolz they do post their blog a lot for beginner resources, but I don't believe this is spamming; I see this as them just trying to be helpful offering resources. This thread is in the Beginners section and their blog post in on-topic to the thread.

Plus, they don't get anything out of advertising their chess.com blog post. It is important to view context and here I think @RussBell is just someone who has been on chess.com for years and helped many people.