Aeroplane Chess is one of those games that looks simple at first glance—just roll the dice, move your planes, and try to reach the center base. But as every seasoned player knows, there’s more to it than luck. Strategy plays a huge role, and beginners often make mistakes that cost them the game.
If you’re just starting out, don’t worry—we’ve all been there. In this article, we’ll cover the most common mistakes beginners make in Aeroplane Chess and how you can avoid them to become a smarter, stronger player.
Mistake 1: Always Rushing to Release Every Plane
The mistake:
Beginners often get excited whenever they roll a 6 and immediately bring a new plane out of the hangar. While this seems like a good idea (more planes = more chances to win), it can actually weaken your position.
Why it’s a problem:
- Too many planes on the board means more targets for opponents.
- Instead of advancing one strong plane toward the finish, your forces are spread too thin.
Better approach:
Use your sixes wisely. Sometimes it’s smarter to advance a plane that’s already on the track—especially if it’s close to a shortcut or near the home stretch. Balance between launching new planes and pushing existing ones forward.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Shortcuts
The mistake:
Aeroplane Chess is famous for its arrow-marked shortcuts that allow planes to jump forward quickly. Many beginners ignore these opportunities because they only focus on moving forward step by step.
Why it’s a problem:
- You miss out on huge advantages that could save you multiple dice rolls.
- Opponents who take shortcuts will easily overtake you.
Better approach:
- Always plan moves to land on arrows, even if it means holding back a turn.
- Position your plane so that when your turn comes, the right dice roll will send you onto a shortcut.
Mistake 3: Playing Too Aggressively
The mistake:
Some beginners love the thrill of sending opponents’ planes back to their hangars. They chase down rivals at every chance.
Why it’s a problem:
- Over-focusing on attacks can distract you from your main goal: getting your planes home.
- While you chase one opponent, others may quietly reach the finish line.
Better approach:
Attack smartly, not blindly. Knock back opponents when it gives you a clear advantage, but don’t let revenge runs waste your valuable moves.
Mistake 4: Playing Too Safely
The opposite mistake:
Other beginners do the opposite—they avoid risks altogether, keeping planes near safe zones or waiting too long to make moves.
Why it’s a problem:
- You fall behind while opponents speed ahead.
- Playing too cautiously means you miss attacking opportunities that could slow your rivals.
Better approach:
Balance is key. Aeroplane Chess rewards both caution and boldness at the right time. Know when to protect your planes and when to take risks.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to Stack Planes
The mistake:
Many new players don’t take advantage of stacking, where landing on your own plane combines them into a single unit.
Why it’s a problem:
- Without stacking, your planes move slowly and remain vulnerable.
- You miss the chance to move multiple planes at once, saving time.
Better approach:
- Use stacking to protect your planes (since stacked planes can’t be easily knocked out).
- Advance two or more planes together for efficiency.
- Be careful, though: losing a stacked plane means losing both!
Mistake 6: Neglecting the Endgame
The mistake:
Beginners often relax too early once their planes get close to the central home base. They assume the hardest part is over.
Why it’s a problem:
- You need an exact roll to enter the final base. If you don’t manage your moves wisely, you’ll waste turns.
- Opponents can still catch up and knock your planes back if they’re nearby.
Better approach:
- Keep multiple planes close to the finish line to increase your odds of rolling the exact number.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of defense even in the endgame.
Mistake 7: Not Paying Attention to Opponents
The mistake:
Many beginners only focus on their own moves and forget to track where their opponents’ planes are.
Why it’s a problem:
- You might move into a position where an opponent can easily knock you out on their next turn.
- You miss chances to block opponents or send them back.
Better approach:
- Always watch the whole board, not just your corner.
- Count the spaces between your plane and your opponent’s dice roll possibilities.
- Make decisions not only based on your position but also on your rivals’.
Mistake 8: Wasting Dice Rolls
The mistake:
Beginners sometimes move planes without thinking, just because the dice rolled a certain number.
Why it’s a problem:
- You might waste a move that could have been used strategically.
- Careless moves can land you in dangerous positions.
Better approach:
Think before moving. Even though luck plays a role, smart planning makes the difference. Ask yourself:
- Will this move bring me closer to safety?
- Can I use this roll to set up a shortcut or an attack?
Final Thoughts
Aeroplane Chess is a game of luck mixed with strategy. While dice rolls decide your options, it’s your decisions that determine whether you win or lose. Beginners often make the mistakes of rushing, ignoring shortcuts, playing too safe or too aggressive, and not paying attention to opponents.
By recognizing and avoiding these mistakes, you’ll not only improve your game but also enjoy the process much more. So, the next time you roll the dice, remember—play smart, stay balanced, and let your planes soar to victory!