Imagine the strongest player in the world, Magnus Carlsen, challenges you to a game. Your goal is simple: survive longer than Bill Gates, who famously got mated in 8 moves (12 seconds total).

Let me help you.

I’ll explain everything from Black’s perspective, since Black starts with a slight disadvantage. Everything I say also applies to White because the board is perfectly symmetrical. Moves like c6 and d5 for Black become c3 and d4 for White.

Step 1: Protect Your Weakest Square

At the start of the game, your weakest square is f7. Most beginners get mated because they ignore this.

White’s basic idea is simple: bring the bishop to c4, the queen to h5 or f3, and mate you on f7.

This happens in countless amateur games. The most well-known example is the Scholar’s Mate:

So how do you avoid it?

Step 2: Play These Two Moves No Matter What

Play c6 and d5.

That’s it.

By playing c6!, you prevent the bishop from coming to c4 in one move. By playing d5, you take control of the center. Already, you’ve achieved something important: You will not get mated in 4 moves!

Step 3: Stop the Knight–Queen Attack

After c6, White may try a different plan: a knight-and-queen attack on f7.

In these positions, White often wants to bring the queen out quickly, usually aiming for Qh5.

Here, you calmly play: Nf6!

This controls the h5 square. If White still plays Qh5, they are gambling and losing the queen. A sensible opponent will not do that.

At this point, I would even argue that your experienced opponent is already slightly uncomfortable. Their easy attack is gone.

Now your plan is simple and solid: 3..g6, 4…Bg7, and 5…0-0

Just remember one simple rule: whenever your opponent captures your piece, you recapture. For example, if White plays exd5, you simply respond with cxd5. If White gives a check with Bb5+ afterwards, you block it with Nbd7.

Otherwise, don’t get creative. Just follow the plan described above. Stick to this rule, and you’ve already avoided most beginner disasters.

If White plays one of the most popular aggressive setups against this structure, you still continue calmly: g6, Bg7, Nh6 (instead of Nf6, since that allows ef), and 0-0

Final Result

Done.

You will not get mated in 10 moves — even against Magnus Carlsen. How many more moves you survive after that is up to you.

Good luck!