5 Basic Opening Strategies for the Intermediate Player
By Vishaal
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Wednesday, November 24, 2010
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"A knowledge of tactics is the foundation of positional play. This is a rule which has stood
its test in chess history and one which we cannot impress forcibly enough upon the young chess player. A beginner should avoid Queen's Gambit and French Defence and play open games instead! While he may not win as many games at first, he will in the long run be amply compensated by acquiring a thorough knowledge of the game" - RICHARD RETI
As a beginning to intermediate player, it is much more important to learn tactics than strategy. Choosing open games lead to games with more tactical play.
1. Control the center
All of your early moves should aim to take control over the center (the d4,e4,d5, and e5-squares) ... usually by develop a piece, preferably in a way that threatens something... perhaps an opponent's piece or to take firm control over the center.
2. Knights before Bishops
Most of the time, it is fairly clear where the knights ought to be developed. The best squares for the bishops become apparent only a bit later. Move at least one knight out to the center of the board before you move your bishop.
3. Develop before you attack
Try not to move a piece more than once in the opening... unless you can capture something or gain something important. In other words, don't start attacking until all or at least most of your pieces are developed.
4. Don't bring your queen out early
Make sure that you do not bring your queen out early. If you do, you may lose it or at best lose time moving it around when your opponent attacks it. Wait with your queen until you are sure you know where it's going.
5. King safety
This should be obvious, but many beginners forget about safeguarding their king. Lose your king, and you lose the game! So make it a priority to castle early unless you have a very good reason to do something else. In most games, players castle kingside because it's easier to defend. Castling queenside leaves the king a bit more exposed. If you do castle queenside, you will often want to take time to move the king from c1 to b1 for added safety. Even on the kingside, it is often a good idea to make the king safer by moving it from g1 to h1.
1. Control the center
All of your early moves should aim to take control over the center (the d4,e4,d5, and e5-squares) ... usually by develop a piece, preferably in a way that threatens something... perhaps an opponent's piece or to take firm control over the center.
2. Knights before Bishops
Most of the time, it is fairly clear where the knights ought to be developed. The best squares for the bishops become apparent only a bit later. Move at least one knight out to the center of the board before you move your bishop.
3. Develop before you attack
Try not to move a piece more than once in the opening... unless you can capture something or gain something important. In other words, don't start attacking until all or at least most of your pieces are developed.
4. Don't bring your queen out early
Make sure that you do not bring your queen out early. If you do, you may lose it or at best lose time moving it around when your opponent attacks it. Wait with your queen until you are sure you know where it's going.
5. King safety
This should be obvious, but many beginners forget about safeguarding their king. Lose your king, and you lose the game! So make it a priority to castle early unless you have a very good reason to do something else. In most games, players castle kingside because it's easier to defend. Castling queenside leaves the king a bit more exposed. If you do castle queenside, you will often want to take time to move the king from c1 to b1 for added safety. Even on the kingside, it is often a good idea to make the king safer by moving it from g1 to h1.
Category: Chess Tips
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