You could argue that knowing (almost) anything with a name to it isnt really knowing "how" to play, its literally a memorization of the best moves to a certain point in the game. When you move outside of those named movesets is when you really need to know how to play the game.

Knowing how to play is as basic as simply knowing how the pieces move, and then moving into things like undefended pieces, discovered checks, double checks, forking, threats, sacrifices, and then even higher level stuff like "gaining a tempo", endgame combo's, and yes even the rarely executed windmill haha.

Which is to say... dont get too caught up in the names of stuff if you are just playing for fun, just focus on the mechanics and tactics

Lol yeah I took enough interest in the post few years to learn some of the more common openings, probably 2 for each color. If you have any interest in chess, I can't recommend Gotham Chess on YouTube enough. He is hilarious and informative, the perfect combo of teacher and entertainer. Not even just if you want to learn chess but he makes watching chess fun, his recaps of tournaments are fantastic for beginner chess players.

If you haven't, you should check out Gotham Chess on YouTube. I can't recommend him enough. He is hilarious and informative, the perfect combo of teacher and entertainer. Not even just if you want to learn chess but he makes watching chess fun, his recaps of tournaments are fantastic for beginner chess players.