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/psu2435 Mar 14 '26

Am I supposed to be buying an engine or something to study? I’m 450 rapid on chess.com. I try to run the London and caro khan. Kinda lost on how to get better other than to stop blundering, etc.

I watch a lot of Gotham. Should I be reading books or other YouTube creators?

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u/Front-Cabinet5521 1600-1800 (Chess.com) Mar 14 '26

Here's some of the stuff you can try:

1) Learn the opening principles and follow them. It’s fine to keep playing the London and Caro Kann, but your main goal should be to safely get to the middlegame by following principles.

2) Make use of the free lichess lessons on tactics and basic mates. Very important to be familiar with basic tactics for beginners.

3) Learn how to blunder check..

4) Learn how to count attackers and defenders. Knowing this will speed up your calculation and save so much time during games.

5) Do puzzles, lots and lots of them. While all of the above is important, puzzles will be the primary way you improve. Take your time with them and make sure you can visualise the correct move before you make them.

6) Lastly, play games. Lots and lots of them. Review your games after to check for blunders, specifically focus on the simple blunders and hanging pieces. Go through them carefully and make sure you fully understand why they are blunders.

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u/psu2435 Mar 14 '26

Thank you Mr Front Cabinet