10 Chess Tips Every Beginner Should Know

We have a lot of new players watching our streams and videos, and we receive hundreds of questions and coaching requests every day! In this video Andrea shows 10 basic chess strategies, that every beginner player should know. Mastering these principles will give you a solid base, that you can gradually improve upon as you get more chess experience. Drop a like and tell us in the comments, if you found these tips useful and if you'd like to see more of these videos in the future!
⭐️Check us out on Twitch at: / botezlive
00:00 RULE #1: DEVELOP PIECES AND ATTACK TOWARDS THE CENTER
00:39 RULE #2: CASTLE BEFORE ATTACKING
01:20 RULE #3: DO NOT PUSH KINGSIDE PAWNS
02:12 RULE #4: DO NOT TAKE THE QUEEN OUT EARLY
02:55 RULE #5: TRADE SIDE PAWNS FOR CENTER PAWNS
03:25 RULE #6: AVOID DOUBLING YOUR PAWNS
04:14 RULE #7: USE OPEN FILES AND CONNECT ROOKS
05:29 RULE #8: IMPROVE YOUR PIECES
06:34 RULE #9: BISHOPS ARE BETTER IN OPEN POSITIONS, KNIGHTS ARE BETTER IN CLOSED ONES
08:31 RULE#10: ACTIVATE YOUR KING IN THE ENDGAME
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➡️Andrea's Twitter: / itsandreabotez
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#Botez #Botezlive #Chess

[@jimmydore5136]

I can’t stress enough how great it is to just jump straight into a video like this, sometimes a video really doesn’t need a 3 minute intro stating the obvious, and this is a brilliant example.

[@dhruvgirgenti8268]

I hate videos like that. Like, I’ve read the title so I already know what the video is about lol no need for the intro paragraph that a 6th grader could’ve written

[@DiegoLopez-dh1cl]

amen

[@allhailthelicc7759]

“Hi guys, today we’ll be talking about to 10 important chess moves. These moves are vital to your playing. It is key to know these to get better and to win more games. You must know these to be better. These concepts are crucial to deepening your understan- blah blah blah”

[@drdiscostu]

And doesn't teach you how the pieces move... Yeah I know my elo is 700 but come on

[@vincenttrottier3719]

I was thinking the same thing! Very well done by the creator.

[@AjaySolanki-vw5xb]

Bishops, knights first Castle before you attack Don’t push your kingside pawn Don’t take out your queen too early Trade side pawns for center pawns Avoid doubling pawns Use open files and connect rooks Improve your pieces when you don’t know what to do Bishops are good in open positions, knights are good in closed positions, so trade accordingly Activate your king in the endgame…closer to the pawns…or to the center.

[@Qw3rtyKeybo4rd]

367 likes and no replies?

[@amaljose116]

Pedaloski

[@niggasgang8784]

What?????

[@alexiayellenic6176]

uhm ok it works a bit,but not in every situation

[@SaadKhan-ko4nb]

I am Mikhail Tal

[@juliancampolo5282]

10 quick tips in 10 minutes, why aren't there more chess videos like this? This is gold and thanks for producing it.

[@RobertPeru2749]

It really is. Why keep this stuff secret?

[@someother5512]

For all the people that keep raising the exceptions to the rule. You can't learn the exceptions if you don't know the basics, everything she mentioned is correct and will help all people to improve their chess.

[@krithiksingh]

agreed, this is a great foundational video for beginners. The advanced stuff comes after

[@contextinvideos]

yea lol. that's like suggesting someone who just learned how the knight moves to play like alphazero

[@overgrownkudzu]

literally this. if you know the exceptions, that's great, this video isn't for you

[@mattbloomingdale6147]

This is one of the best chess videos I’ve seen all year. I hope Andrea can do more of these that build of these concepts.

[@furl0097]

simp

[@dliteoftheworld]

@@furl0097 c'mon man really?

[@MrSealh]

@@dliteoftheworld Simp is mostly used by kids nowadays, so its like no offence at all :D

[@adlex1212]

@@furl0097 She's not pretty enough for simping, so not a simp.

[@dwaynekeenum1916]

@@adlex1212 Reddit moment

[@alihamidi1629]

Andrea:Never push your queen too early Nelson:Observe

[@bernardsoulard4698]

Big brain moment

[@demonguy5082]

*Sad Scandinavian noises*

[@siddheshshinde1542]

Hilarious

[@bhavitchopra2058]

Okay but Nelson sucks

[@imaginenation5158]

Lmao you changed hold my beer to observe

[@fayensu]

Extremely helpful because Andrea explains each rule in a way that makes you go, "Oh, that totally makes sense."

[@smking2035]

I'm 1/3 through the vid and it's already the most helpful chess lesson I've ever had. Just discovered you today, love it, thanks a ton!

[@dave93x]

It's great to see videos that are done off-stream. Nothing against the stream ones, I watch and enjoy them, but these are nice to have aswell.

[@vhollund]

Yes, it's nice with a more confident, serious and focused Andrea.

[@dave93x]

@@vhollund I got about 10 seconds into it and I was like "oh shit I'm being **taught taught** right now" 😂

[@loulou2302]

I'm a beginner and I panic whenever my king gets threatened, and then the whole duration is only me running away from threat🙁

[@zebin7247]

i like how andrea sounds weird when she talks at normal speed

[@noce1043]

Concuerdo contigo Igual a mi me encanta

[@concrete37]

and professionally

[@elliottmoyse897]

Facts lol

[@tim_schu5850]

I watched this video at 1.5x speed and actually looked at the beginning to see if it was sped up because it sounded like she was talking pretty normal.

[@jadenchan3953]

Yeah I couldn't understand a word she was saying until I sped this up to 1.5x and turned my volume up to the max

[@KeepRecordsTV]

Definitely a good 9-minute rundown of what's important on the board and what isn't. Emphasizing pawn structure without over-explaining was nice too. It sucks when people go too far into this and start boring you with unnecessary extra info. Andrea does a very good job of keeping the topics moving without taking you too far down the rabbit hole. Great video for quick pointers!

[@samsmusichub]

Great tips! Improving your position is very important, and something I overlook sometimes in pursuit of a game-changing move - which leads to more frequent blunders.

[@saricocking4489]

as a beginner these type of videos are actually very helpful, I would like to see more!

[@trevpr1]

Excellent. Andrea's confidence to-camera (when there's no stream) has come on strong of late.

[@Hellomuggle]

Hey Andrea!! Thanks for making this video. It seems really basic but really helps some of the audience (incl myself) who are beginners. I also have some other people I know who are just starting to play chess and think this would be great for them to watch.

[@TheSascatch]

I’ve been trying to get better at chess for a long time, it’s hard to learn from watching the streams since Andrea and Alex play so fast and at such a high level, but this makes it super easy and comprehensive. Well done Andrea.

[@jerryware1970]

Slow the sound speed from normal to .25

[@aleksanderzalar1195]

@@jerryware1970 What is had it in 1.5 lmao

[@christophertan9571]

One of the best chess basics video's I've ever seen, and by my favorite chess streamer :) Keep it up, Andrea!

[@awonderfulway]

^

[@jbthepianist]

Step 1: how do knight’s move? ;)

[@danig9871]

Step 2: avoid the ninja knigths

[@1LRAJABM0]

In L shape

[@beefcattle1458]

like a horsey

[@oOPPHOo]

_"How do knights move?"_ - Magnus Carlsen, 2021

[@donkbonktj5773]

@@beefcattle1458 and not a straight line like castlehead

[@franrhoads9848]

This is so well done, great job Andrea, you are amazingly concise and are a natural teacher!

[@johnhaywood6358]

This has been the best video. I’ve been looking for a good down to earth explanation of why and when we move pieces. I’m new to chess. Thank you for making this video.

[@megash532]

nice video! keep more of these coming! my friend taught me some of these and made huge difference. another thing he said was bishops are usually better as endgame positions are generally open. and to never touch the f pawn.

[@obadam1123]

Great content! I wish Andrea could make much more instructive videos like these

[@Yensnor]

This is actually the best short beginner vid i've seen so far. It's for ACTUAL beginners and don't go in deep about all kinds of spesific gambits and opening, before covering the fundamentals. Very nais 10/10

[@amaninawhale8061]

This video is actually very informative for a beginner. I feel so much better than I did a few minutes ago just for knowing some of this. Time to go practice it in live games. Thank you very much!

[@thefollers7517]

This is actually really helpful, I’m starting to learn chess and most of “chess for beginners” videos are hard to understand. Thanks

[@jamieunderwood5487]

Them and GothamChess are real Heroes!

[@pathikritsengupta4916]

Please do make more of these type of tutorial videos, Botez style

[@EvilTim1911]

I'm a complete beginner and these are the exact tips I need to up my game, it all makes so much sense when someone actually points it out

[@vonSmash]

Awesome video! Went from a terrible beginner (been playing on and off for years) and winning 1 in 10 games, to winning 7 games in a row after watching this video a couple of times 🙏 Clear and straight to each point, thank you!

[@michaelrubinstein8146]

Hey Andrea, thanks for the strategy. My game was going backwards and after I saw your video my game has reached new heights. Cheers and good luck with your chess career :)

[@HarshAnalysis]

Andrea is really good at teaching. Hope she makes more of these videos.

[@justanoobguy7462]

8:16 Bishop Blundered😂😂😂😂😂

[@chrissmith6947]

Thank you Andrea. Yes most of us should know these tips by now. But when I started Chess years ago I watch a video just like this one and it CHANGED my life. So definitely a need to know basis for beginners.

[@davidnelson4960]

VERY WELL DONE! EXCEPTIONALLY WELL DONE FROM BEGGING TO END! FIVE STARS TO ANDREA!

[@duartista]

8:18 I think I'd choose Nxc6+ instead of Na6

[@MakeWishKid420]

Haha yes

[@kentmartin9289]

Sure, but it wouldn't get her point across. Obviously she wasn't paying attention to what she was doing with the bishop.

[@981porsche3]

So much great advice. As a non-advanced player, this is the best chess lesson I’ve ever had! Thank you!

[@bobbyo111]

would be nice to have a series of these, moving up thro intermediate and beyond. I lack basic theory in the intermediate level, and could really use some direction there. This was excellent, btw, for beginners, i think, Andrea. Informative, without talking down to people.

[@ellisj98]

Does anyone else think her voice is really soothing(when she’s not shouting 😂)

[@DaveLH]

Andrea invokes thoughts of the line from "Bringing Up Baby" when Cary Grant tells Kate Hepburn, "You're very soothing in quiet moments -- The problem is, with you there AREN'T any quiet moments!" 😂

[@bbom9197]

😂

[@Ojisan642]

@@DaveLH wow that’s such a brilliant line

[@sakimano]

she sounds like she's all partied out, but she also sounds 13. It's odd.

[@paulthompson9668]

@@sakimano Kind of like Lindsay Lohan.

[@laurasanchez7105]

This is actually a great video for me. I'm writing these down with notes :)

[@ronz5027]

You are a great teacher! Please post more videos like this for beginners! You can encourage a whole new generation to play chess. I really think you and your sister are changing the game and culture, making it more inviting and less intimidating. Thank you!!!

[@hindside]

this one video has improved my game so much, from playing with no fkn idea, to now playing my knights, trying to control centre, developing pieces, castling and so much more. Thanks Andrea

[@jessesparks7424]

There's so many "win quick in so many moves" videos that in reality rely upon very specific moves that rarely happen. That's what makes this so refreshing. Wonderful video.

[@postmanscott767]

Andrea:Never push your queen too early Magnus: Yeah, yeah, whatever!

[@DaveLH]

Someone (possibly Andrea or Alex) has defined a GM as a player who "knows when the rules should be broken."

[@postmanscott767]

@@DaveLH It is humor humor, man Chill out.

[@eugenelin2390]

Magnus: pushes king

[@christianpaul3651]

Bongcloud

[@Jadaw1n]

@@postmanscott767 NO YOU CHILL OUT!!!

[@andrewmays3988]

Great video with sound chess advice!! Keep up your great work! Thank you.😇

[@ilyska1977]

This was so super helpful and to the point! I love this channel

[@venividivici6685]

1:20 Andrea: don't push kingside pawns Also Andrea: plays King's Indian

[@Muhammad_Nuruddin]

"Don't push kingside pawns, especially when you're going to castle kingside." *Laughs in King's Indian Defense*

[@dariodesansebastian]

I'm laughing in Dutch Defence!

[@TheRamoach]

What does a King's Indian Defense laugh sound like?

[@dariodesansebastian]

@@TheRamoach like a laugh in castled kingside but with a bishop in between

[@littleretroship6403]

Did you even listen after? After she said that fianchetto (or however you write it) is fine

[@tombstone1440]

Really well done (and very helpful) Andrea! Thank you.

[@aniplays3707]

It was a really really nice video for chess beginners. Thank you Andrea❤️

[@user-ic7of2yk8w]

Is it possible that Andrea would talk about evaluating the position and drawing up a plan?

[@snoopstp4189]

Those sporadic quick close ups of Andrea making her point are awesome, pro level editing.

[@lukajakic4230]

Such a great video. So much helpful info and very interesting. Simply useful. Thank you

[@oamarkanji3153]

"When you castle, you make all your worries less". What a line

[@damiester1]

It's usually Alex who does these types of videos right? I'm loving this though.

[@abe92139]

Straight to the point . Super informative and concise. Great job. 😊

[@basedhumanofficial]

thank you for this! only been playing for a couple of weeks & this was really helpful 😊

[@Dan-yd2jq]

Andrea has such an adorable voice. I could listen all day long. 🙂

[@BevidsthedOrg]

Probably because you visualize her face also :)

[@kratos.8151]

How would one describe her voice? It's like a cold by nice and charming.

[@dcmhsotaeh]

@@BevidsthedOrg farmers daughter by the barn

[@the_crimson_ghost_of_south_phx]

@@dcmhsotaeh wit dat honkytonk badonkadonk 🧐👍🏼

[@kerravon4159]

Rule #11: Evaluate every move sequence by verbally saying "Beng, Beng, Beng and Beng!"

[@charlesstevens9775]

I can confirm this does help

[@meganvcarr]

This was so helpful! I just started playing, and these are very useful. Thanks!

[@reihino6347]

thanks so much for this video! i didnt know a lot of these tricks, time to use them in play

[@DaveLH]

This video was very helpful -- Especially Rule #8. I've often heard, "Improve Your Pieces" without much explanation. Even Fred Reinfeld, who for years in the pre-Internet era was kind of the Wayne Dyer of chess self-improvement books, didn't explain this well. But you explain it well here, and I'd love to see a video that expands on this principle further. Anyway, Thank, you Andrea!

[@agatha4367]

this was extremely helpful, made me realize how flawed i've been playing

[@tim2788]

Great video, really easy to understand and noticed my game has improved a lot by following these principles! Thanks!

[@ikkarezlet1922]

I like that you give useful advice and don't overload the beginner with info like other you tubers. I am SUBBED!

[@chiyembekezomaunjiri3278]

Her voice is a musical instrument

[@toriespeaks]

I agree

[@ishafiq8241]

I was literally in a tournament losing and when I had time I watched this video. I won the next round. This video helped too much and massive thanks to the KZbinr. Good speed.

[@edwassermann8368]

this was great. I think you should make more of these. people will appreciate them a lot.

[@ollieox9181]

Just saved this to my Favorites file. No long, tedious, intros - I know what the video is about from the title. She gets right to it. We need more like this.

[@strakammm]

@8:17 what a blunder

[@ndronikusri1992]

I started because of the other one but stayed because of Andrea. She seems really good natured

[@vetiarvind]

They're both really chill.

[@SundaraRamanR]

"the other one" Lol

[@AmaterasuGG]

this is really informative thank you, you should make more like this

[@rcp225]

Thank you so much for this video. A lot of your "don't dos" are exactly the things I was doing wrong. I will check back on this video frequently. I'm new to your channel, so I'm not familiar with your content. But I have a lot of trouble with end-game tactics and strategies. There might be just one or two moves to a checkmate, but I seem to miss those opportunities a lot. Do you have, or could you do a video like this for endgame tips?

[@DeathbyDonutz]

very informative video

[@yeetusdeletus7040]

Rough

[@DeathbyDonutz]

@@yeetusdeletus7040 Sadge

[@NotAshamedOfficial]

There is one thing I don't understand. How does the knight move? :D

[@schlockmeister754]

Especially since the knight seems to have fallen off of its horse ... 😮

[@derekromero2331]

Cool, first time listening to a chess commentary and it was actually surprisingly easy to follow and piques interest in trying a chess game myself. Definitely helps that you have a nice, confident speaking voice. P.S. not sure how this ended up in my recommended

[@travisarthur9346]

This was really well done, I think it will help a lot of people, good job!

[@BlxxdLxst17]

3:30 ish Andrea: imma make a bad move for white Andrea: *plays h3* Engine analysis: *h3 is excellent*

[@faznaz7455]

Actually if you plug in the engine for longer, h3 is an inaccuracy. That’s because doubling the pawns in such a way where black wants to take on f3 anyway in these structures (slav and semi slav) just sacrifices some initiative.

[@BlxxdLxst17]

@@faznaz7455 ah but in video it says excellent so that’s y. I see wat u mean tho

[@dliteoftheworld]

I'm a beginner and I just played a game following the first 5 rules and forced a rage quit which was my first game with no mistakes or blunders Edit: I just won 2 in a row

[@BotezLive]

YAAAY 2 DUBS

[@dliteoftheworld]

@@BotezLive thank you so much for the support, this video taught me how important the openings are it gives me the opportunity to attack instead of defend

[@vaxzuxaiatushazh5117]

Really solid advice that was well presented, thank you.

[@tonyatkins1986]

One of the best shortest chess videos I've ever seen... You taught a lot in a small amount of time!!! Thank You

[@CptVein]

Thank you for this!!! I am a 700 noob and I need this. I need a 100 episodes of this!!! Andrea-sama, keep teaching us chess.

[@gideonturner8716]

No intro? Was expecting a "Howdy, KZbin!" Oh, and the video was cool too, I guess.

[@martywhite2988]

Thankfully there's no intro.

[@Raven_Black_252]

I learned so much more from this than regular apps and stuff, great vid Andrea!

[@craigwhiting777]

This is probably the best brief tutorial I have found. Well done.....

[@oopsdididothat7727]

💜 The Cigarette Smoker Scratchy Voice 🚬

[@jashepoon]

8:18 because taking bishops is overrated

[@chrisfrederiksen1358]

Also putting the king in check and taking another pawn lmao

[@schlockmeister754]

3-to-3 exchange overrated? An exchange simplifies the game tactics and is a good tip for a beginner. Never heard anyone say THAT though.

[@salvadoralvarez1777]

I have checked a few videos for beginners. This one efficiently covered the most ground by far. Thank you.

[@just_some_internet_guy]

Excellent advice Andrea! Very helpful for someone like me. Thanks!!

[@joelandres4207]

step 1: don't get checked mated in 3 moves

[@schlockmeister754]

I can check in one move: I just call the waiter.

[@joelandres4207]

@@schlockmeister754 good one

[@p0larny]

Step 1: never play against Bartosh B)

[@harry.pottered]

Great job! Nice simple rules and well explained.

[@NotAshamedOfficial]

What a great video solid advice and easy to understand!

[@woolyimage]

Rule 11 scream loudly at everyone ;)

[@BlanBlan19901990]

Yes. I dont think this will work with chess tho

[@NaP608]

I can listen to her voice forever..

[@oscarlopez9119]

I was practicing listening with this beautiful piece of sound haha

[@PPdabest]

Thank you for helping a beginner pick up the basics!

[@incognito-Avi]

Thankyou so much!! It really helpful!

[@namansharma_]

Her vocal frequency is so unique . Soothing to hear but also too loud at some points .

[@Hat3eer]

This is the most accurate review I have ever seen

[@quill444]

We couldn't help but notice, that when the _ever effervescent and always adorable_ Andrea is teaching, attendance always goes way up. 💚 - j q t -

[@schlockmeister754]

Simp

[@raymakerscalisthenics660]

Recently have took up chess and have found myself stuck at a 50% WR around 1200 elo. Started a month ago. These tips are gonna go such a long way! I learned so much from this.

[@djvelocity]

These are amazing tips for beginners! I *wish* I had this information when I was learning in highschool 😊🙌📚🤩

[@roohollahsajjadi8486]

Damn You are pretty