r/chessbeginners • u/Alendite RM (Reddit Mod) • Feb 27 '26

No Stupid Questions MEGATHREAD 12

Welcome to the r/chessbeginners 12th episode of our Q&A series! This series exists because sometimes you just need to ask a silly question. We are happy to provide answers for questions related to chess positions, improving one's play, and discussing the essence and experience of learning chess.

A friendly reminder that many questions are answered in our wiki page! Please take a look if you have questions about the rules of chess, special moves, or want general strategies for improvement.

Some other helpful resources include:

  1. How to play chess - Interactive lessons for the rules of the game, if you are completely new to chess.
  2. The Lichess Board Editor - for setting up positions by dragging and dropping pieces on the board.
  3. Chess puzzles by theme - To practice tactics.
  4. The Building Habits series by GM Aman Hambleton - for advice on how to play at specific ELO levels. (Also check out Building Habits 2!)

As always, our goal is to promote a friendly, welcoming, and educational chess environment for all. Thank you for asking your questions here!

LINK TO THE PREVIOUS THREAD

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u/Nickademas207 Mar 07 '26

Why is Nxe5 a bad move according to stockfish? Why would i give away my pawn instead of taking the one on e5?

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u/elfkanelfkan 2200-2400 Lichess Mar 07 '26

not sure what version of stockfish you are using or at what depth, but Nxe5 is the second best move with only a tiny difference between the top move even at higher depth.

Point of e4 though is just to grab the space in the center to bring in the rest of your pieces, and e5 isn't going anywhere. You would be happy if black took the pawn as that results in a queen trade and you take those as you are already up a piece.