Chess Rules for Openings
Opening the Game
The opening phase in chess is the time to 1) control the center of the chess board, and 2) develop one's pieces for attack.
During the opening stage, it is important to establish a solid position in the middle of the board and to develop a good number of pieces.
Here are a collection of chess opening tips:
- The best chessmen to open with are the d and e pawns. In chess, the opening is dedicated to taking control of the board's center. This is just what these pawns do. However always be watchful when moving pawns on the king's side early.
- Every move you make should have the purpose of attacking your opponent's pieces. The more valuable they are, the better.
- Make a castle early in the game. Castling early lets you focus your strategies more on the offensive than defensive.
- Position the knights early. They are less flexible than other pieces.
- Always think ahead. Reading your opponent's mind is a vital part of chess.
- Do not concentrate on one piece only during the opening. Move a chessman only once if you can.
- Do not make use of the queen early in the game. She is to be reserved for later. Using the queen too early puts the most valuable piece at risk.
- Do not over-develop pawns at the opening. Place no more than two pawns at the center and do not move any more.
- It is better to castle short than castle long.
- The beginning phase of chess should focus on the center. Do not drive your pieces to the sides. Try to take control of the central squares d4, e4, d5 and e5.
- Weigh your sacrifices wisely. Pawns should not be sacrificed early in the match or without enough reason. And you certainly don't want to lose any senior chessman in the early phase of the match.
- Make the right captures. A bishop is generally more valuable than a knight since it can strike at any distance. A rook is worth more than a pawn. Whenever you have a choice, generally you want to capture the more valuable piece.
- Be ever watchful of possible checks and captures. Beginners typically overlook the obvious. So be vigilant and watch every piece on the board.
- Learn about the Fool's Mate and the Scholar's Mate. Avoid the common mistakes that novices make or you might find yourself in a checkmate before you know it!
- While it is good to open with the e pawns (in front of the king, care should be taken since this is the king's side. The pawns on the queen's side a—d are safer to move.
- Never move the pawns f, g and h early in the match. These are pawns you will be castling with!