CHESS THOUGHTS

OPENING

The chief strategic objective in the opening is the most effective and harmonious development of all the pieces.

• FIRST RULE: Open with either the K-pawn or the Q-pawn.

• SECOND RULE: Wherever possible, make a good developing move, which threatens something.

• THIRD RULE: Develop knights before bishops. The strongest square for the knight is in the center (e4, d4, e5, d5). The best initial move is Nf3 or Nc3.

• FOURTH RULE: Pick the most suitable square for a piece and develop it there

once and for all.

• DON'T move a piece twice in the opening.
• DON'T exchange a piece that is developed for one that is not developed.
• DON'T exchange without good reason.
• DON'T block the path of development of your pieces.
• DON'T block either center pawn.

• FIFTH RULE: Do not bring your queen out early.

• SIXTH RULE: Castle as soon as possible preferably on the K-side.

• SEVENTH RULE: PLAY TO GET CONTROL OF THE CENTER.

1. What is the center? The four squares in the center of the board, e4, d4, e5 & d5 ("little Center") and the sixteen central squares ("Enlarged Center")
2. What is the value of the center? It is the region of greatest mobility.
3. What is meant by control of the center? The ability to place pieces on vital squares without having them captured.
4. How do we get control of the center? ..... The very basis of the game.

• EIGHTH RULE: Always try to maintain at least one pawn in the center.

• NINTH RULE: Do not sacrifice without clear and adequate reason.

• TENTH: Many players are too prone to attack before firmly establishing what positional advantages are inherent in their position.

• ELEVENTH: The disadvantage of pawn weaknesses is not so much the pawns themselves but the passive positioning of the pieces, which result in order to defend them.