10 rules for the opening

1. Get your pieces out into the center quickly. The opening is a race to see who can get their pieces out first while keeping at least a share of control of the center.
• This is the main point to remember; all the other rules are just footnotes to this one
2. More detail on winning the race:
• Move pieces not pawns, and
• move them to their best squares in one move if you can, and also
• try to gain time if you can by aggressive moves.
3. Move minor pieces out first, not your Q or RRs which can be attacked and lose time
4. Get a firm foothold in the center and don't give it up
5. Generally move Knights straightaway to f3/c3 or f6/c6
6. Move your king to safety at the side by castling King's-side (which also gets your Rook into play)
7. Complete your development before moving a piece twice or starting an attack
8. Keep your queen safe
9. Don't grab pawns or attack if you haven't completed development
10. What to do if there is a lead in development:
• If you are ahead in development, start something going and open up lines for your better pieces
• If you are behind in development, don't start anything and keep things closed until you have caught up

Category: Chess Tips , Openings in Chess