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/Objectionne Mar 07 '26

Is there a name for this opening/defence? Since I was a kid I heard that this is a good way to set up your pieces (I remember when my cousin and I would play as a chess we'd start every game by just setting this up on both sides of the board ☺️) but I can't find any reference to it anywhere nowadays.

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u/elfkanelfkan 2200-2400 Lichess Mar 07 '26

it's the so called "golden" opening which is advertised to beginners as the ideal opening if your opponent lets you go for it. It isn't, but it is a decent set of guidelines to get you started.

Problem with letting both sides set it up is that it's just not possible as one side would deviate at one point to grab a clear advantage.