8 Tips on How to Advance in Chess from Basic Level

8 Tips on How to Advance in Chess from Basic Level

“Unlike other games in which lucre is the only aim, [chess] recommends itself to the wise by the fact that its mimic battles are fought for no prize but honor. It is exceptionally and emphatically the philosopher’s game.” – Paul Morphy

Advance in Chess from Basic Level

If you have recently started playing chess, and other than the rules, you know absolutely nothing, then you are in the right place. It is a fascinating board game that has a history of hundreds of years. Some studies suggest that playing chess can raise your IQ, enhance your creativity, and improve your problem-solving skills. So, it would be safe to say that chess is a lot more than an ordinary board-game. This article will provide you some tips that will help you to become a chess expert.

Some prerequisites 

Before moving forward, there are certain rules that you must know.

For example, a pawn’s worth is one point, and it moves straight ahead with the ability to attack an angle. Bishops and Knights worth three points each, and can move more than a square at a time. The rook that worth 5 points moves in a straight line. The queen, being the most powerful piece, is allowed to move in any direction and worth 9 points. The king, however, must be protected, and avoid getting a checkmate.

Now, assuming that you understand all the rules, some of the following tips might help you to become an expert chess player.

Consider joining a local chess club

This will help you to play in a better and competitive environment. If you are regularly playing with your friends who are clearly not good at playing chess, your skills will never improve. By interacting with other chess players in a local club, you will learn many new ways to counter your opponent and you will – in a natural way – advance in chess.

Discover your preferred style of play

Just like other games, people play chess in different ways. Some individuals like the idea of aggressive playstyles, and are hasty to launch attacks, offer sacrifices, or play strategies. While others like to keep things smooth, and they prefer a quiet positional play by building a strong position before any attack. Try playing with different playstyles, and find what suits your skills and temperament.

Plan your moves wisely

If you’re looking forward to a good game of chess, never give up your pieces unnecessarily. Yes, a well-planned sacrifice will put you way ahead of your opponent, but if you continue losing pieces, due to poor planning, the game will end pretty quick. Also, knowing the worth of your chess piece, it is never wise to trade a Knight or Bishop for a Pawn or a Rook. Sometimes the opponent lures you into traps, try to watch out for them.

Castling at the right time

Moving your king to a safe square and bringing the rook into play is called castling. It is the only chess move in which a player is able to move two pieces in a single turn. It has the potential to launch an attack on your opponent’s king. So, look for the appropriate moments and try to ‘castle’ early in the game.

Do not make hasty decisions

It is necessary to understand that chess is a strategic game that requires planning and patience. When you see a good move, do not hurry and look for a better one.

Enter into a tournament

Whether you think of yourself as an expert or not, just enter your name in a chess tournament, and go like you are an ex-champion. This will help you to play on a much-advanced level in the presence of many skilled professionals.

Study about your favorite chess grandmaster

Grandmaster (GM) is a prestigious title that is awarded to chess players all over the world, by the World Chess Organization. After the title of a World Champion, GM is the highest award a chess player can achieve. If you have a favorite GM, study about them, and learn to use their techniques and counters. Some you will find here: The Kings of Chess.

Consult with a chess expert

One of the most effective things you can do to improve your game is talking to someone who is a professional. It can be a Grandmaster, any friend, or even your rival.

Well, people! Chess is undoubtedly one of the most complicated games ever invented. You cannot advance in chess from a basic level or even achieve expert status in this game without making an effort. Do not fear defeat, and remember, the only way you can make it to the list of professionals is by practicing over and over again. For improving you will find a huge amount of useful resources here on Becoming a Chess Master.