Chess Opening Guidelines

A good chess player uses this information to select the best possible opening for a game. He also follows specific

guidelines to gain maximum advantage in the opening moves. These guidelines include:

1. Game development

Favorable game development is achieved through good chess opening. When a chess piece is moved from its position, its

mobility generally increases. The move also increases the mobility of pieces blocked by the moved piece, thus developing

the game.

Typically, in the starting position, only the pawns and the knights can be moved. All other pieces are blocked. If you

advance your pawn by one of two squares, mobility of bishop increases.

2. Control over centre

The centre portion of the chess board is where the major action happens. The player who acquires better control over the

centre through his chess opening game plan, is at an advantage. He controls more squares on the board and thus can

restrict the development of the opponent’s game.

3. King safety

Castling is a typical chess opening move to safely position the king on the board. Castling also results in rook

development as castling unlocks the rook. Many good players decide on the time of castling in their chess opening game to

get greater advantage.
Basic guideless for learners of the game

Learners of chess may keep the following points in mind during their chess opening moves

1. Never move the same piece twice, either in same direction or back and forth

Moving a piece twice only signifies that you have wasted one move. The wasted move could have been used for achieving a

better position on the board..

Typically, in the starting position, only the pawns and the knights can be moved. All other pieces are blocked. If you

advance your pawn by one of two squares, mobility of bishop increases.

2. Move pawn first and follow it up with knight

Pawn movement unlocks the pieces at the back. Knight gives good positional power, if planned carefully.

3. Choose between open, semi open or closed game

The option you choose in chess opening moves should depend on the risk you are prepared to take in the game.
Open games that expose more diagonals can be risky as the opponent can attack easily, unless you are careful.
Closed games with fewer diagonal openings developed, are less risky. This results in more moves to develop the game.
Semi-open is the intermediate between the two and new players generally prefer this option during their chess opening

moves.

4. Develop rook and bishop pieces

Bishop and rook in combination can help to control horizontal, vertical and diagonal squares on the board.

5. Do not expose queen too early in the game

Avoid exposing your queen during chess opening as your opponent may threaten your queen though his own moves.
In such a situation, your concentration turns to protecting your queen rather than making chess opening more effective.
Mastering chess opening

Learners of the game should read the literature on chess opening and analyze the moves to accumulate basic knowledge.

Playing many games with effective game plan will help in gaining experience and in mastering the art of chess opening.

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