Chess Opening Things You’re Doing Wrong

Summary

In this chess tutorial, the speaker shares personal experience, climbing from 600 to 2100 ELO, and outlines nine common opening mistakes to avoid. Key points include not copying moves excessively, avoiding wasted moves, balancing pawn and piece development, protecting the king, and not moving the queen too early. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of having a plan, being aware of the opponent's strategy, and capitalizing on their mistakes. This guide aims to help players quickly gain an advantage in the opening phase of the game.

Takeaways

• 📚 Avoid copying moves beyond the first few in the opening to maintain an advantage and avoid dull play.
• ⏱️ Prevent wasted moves that don't improve your position, as they give your opponent an unnecessary advantage.
• 🤔 Develop pieces with purpose and avoid getting stuck on which move is best; trust your instincts when in doubt.
• 👑 Protect your king early by castling to avoid attacks and prioritize it over other moves unless it's unsafe.
• 👸 Limit early queen moves to avoid being put on the defensive and develop other pieces instead.
• 🏰 Ensure balance in pawn and piece development, avoiding an overemphasis on either.
• 🚫 Avoid moving the same piece twice unless absolutely necessary to maintain efficiency.
• 🧭 Have a plan with a system opening that can adapt to various opponent responses.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Be aware of your opponent's plans and potential threats before making each move.
• 🔍 Regularly scan for tactics and opportunities to capitalize on your opponent's mistakes.
• 🌟 Develop a habit of quick checks before each move to prevent blunders and spot advantages.

Q & A

What is the speaker's improvement in chess ELO points from 2021 to the present day?

The speaker has improved from 600 ELO in 2021 to 2100 ELO in the present day.

What is the first mistake to avoid in chess openings according to the speaker?

The first mistake to avoid is being a copycat, especially beyond the first few moves, as it does not provide any advantage and can lead to a dull game.

Why should players avoid making wasted moves in the opening phase of chess?

Wasted moves barely change the position and can give the opponent a significant advantage, similar to giving them extra turns.

What is the recommended approach when unsure of what to do in a chess position?

When unsure, the speaker suggests developing a piece or moving one out, and not to get bogged down on finding the absolute best move, but to trust one's gut.

Why is it important to balance pawn moves with piece development in the opening phase?

Balancing pawn moves with piece development is crucial to avoid being put on the defensive and to maintain a strong position.

What is the most important aspect to consider in all of chess according to the speaker?

The most important aspect is to not get checkmated, which means protecting the King should be the first priority.

Why should players avoid moving their queen too early in the opening phase?

Moving the queen too early can expose it to attack and allow the opponent to develop their pieces faster, putting the player at a disadvantage.

What is the general rule for moving pieces in the opening phase to maintain maximum efficiency?

The general rule is to only move each piece once to avoid redundancy and maintain efficiency.

Why is it important to have a plan or opening strategy when starting a game of chess?

Having a plan prevents early game mistakes and provides a clear direction for the opening phase, which is essential for setting up a strong middle game.

What should a player do if they cannot castle due to their opponent's strategy?

If castling is not possible, the player should move their king to a safe square and then bring pieces nearby to help protect against attacks.

How can a player avoid being blind to their opponent's plans during the opening phase?

A player can avoid being blind to their opponent's plans by doing a quick scan before every move to check for attacks and to spot any tactics.

What are some examples of system openings suitable for beginner to intermediate level players?

Examples of system openings include the Italian Game, the London System, and the King's Indian Defense, which are flexible and can adapt to various opponent moves.

What are the speaker's personal favorite openings for white and black pieces?

The speaker's personal favorites for white are the Vienna and the Fried Liver Attack, and for black, the Kacan or the Scandinavian Defenses.

What is the speaker's advice for players who need a quick opening to learn?

For a quick opening, the speaker suggests learning the London System, which can be mastered in under a minute.