I just recently started studying chess. I have been playing for years but never really got better. What I have found as a mistake is to study the openings as a beginner. Even if you can still memorize all of the book openings what happens after that, you fall down hill, although it’s very important to develop in the opening in a way that benefits you. For starters I suggest you learn the key basics for the mid-game endgame and for the opening. I believe you should start studding end games the most, against popular belief, when you have a good understanding of the end game you will know if you should simplify. The end game is an area where precise calculations come in to play. Knowing the end game will help principals in the opening and mid-game. Knowing the benefits of certain pawn structures, and in creating passed pawns. Before you go in-depth on any one area I suggest you learn all the basics, tactics, some common openings and opening principals.
Originally posted by Bowmannlol
Study the pieces. Study them carefully.
Get to know the tallest first, then move on to the shorter ones. Learn which chessmen can be stood upside-down without falling over. Are some nicer to look at than others? Why?
And most importantly, if the board is shaken vigorously, which pieces survive the longest before ending up on the carpet?
this brightened up my day