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> Study endgames before openings. Growing up we had a copy of The Art of Chess by James Mason. The book starts out with the endgame, goes into the midgame, an

• banachtarski 6y ago
  I grew up playing chess competitively and used to make this argument all the time. Since then however, I've relaxed my stance. In reality, endgame theory is in some sense, far more complicated than many opening systems, because their are so many degrees of freedom. Yes there are 32 pieces at the start of the game, but prior to development and initial piece placement, there are usually far fewer candidate moves. I think it's a good idea for a beginner to learn at least a few opening systems after getting the "gist" of the endgame like king opposition and opposite color bishops etc.
• watwut 6y ago
  The trouble with that order is that you dont get to actually play the game and dont get to have any fun for months. Which means you will stop playing chess entirely. And I mean, I started to play late and I am not good, but the "if you don't understand how to play when there are four pieces on the board, how will you be able to play when there are 32" does not really check out. The two are just different.