Top Tips from An International Grandmaster

Looking to skill-up your chess game? Well, nobody is more experienced to help you take on the board than International Grandmaster and Batsford author Andrew Soltis. Read more to explore a selection of his top tips to get you feeling confident in your moves and conquering your opponents without fear.

What is a move that you think every chess player should have in their repertoire?

There is no ‘magic move’ that works in every chess game. But when you are first learning to play, it helps to start each game with 1 e4.

What tip taught to you has been the one to stay with you for every game?

A wise man once said: The winner of a game is the player who makes the next to last mistake. What this means is you have to expect that both players will make mistakes in every game. If you realize you’ve erred, keep playing. Your opponent may make a bigger mistake and lose.

What sort of things do you think about before the game has even begun?

Anything but chess! I try to clear my mind and relax before the first move. Never let preconceived notions interfere. Chess is hard enough.

How can I train my chess brain?

Every time you see a diagram of a chess position, stop. Think about what move you would chose. If, instead, you read on — or click on — you lose another opportunity to think for yourself.

What skill should new players focus on mastering first?

It is called ‘quick sight.’ It means the ability to look at a position and quickly notice the most powerful moves available to the player whose turn it is to move. This usually means checks, captures and threats to check or capture.

Is there a secret to Chess you wished more people knew?

There are many. A simple one is ‘Don’t overthink.’ In a typical chess position there is more than one good move you can play. Don’t agonize over trying to find a perfect move. The vast majority of games are not won by someone playing perfect moves. They are lost by their opponent playing bad moves.

Pre-order How to Choose a Chess Move by Andrew Soltis, out 4th July 2024.

Explore chess books by Andrew Soltis here or delve into Batsford’s wider chess titles.