| Chess is an interesting game and | | | | where the development of pieces will |
| learning it is not difficult. There are | | | | take place. How the pawn moves should |
| three phases of the game. The first ten | | | | also be included in your plan. |
| to fifteen moves make the opening phase, | | | | Importance should also be given to Move |
| then there is middle game and lastly the | | | | Order. Usually, the pawn moves first, so |
| end game. However it is not necessary | | | | that the centre is controlled properly. |
| that the game lasts through the tree | | | | The knight moves next as they have a |
| phases. It can end before hand also if | | | | less number of squares to develop. |
| someone makes big blunders initially. | | | | Bishop moves last as they can be |
| All the three phases are played | | | | developed at a number of squares. |
| differently. One needs to develop the | | | | Castling should not be postponed. Do not |
| forces in the opening phase. This is | | | | move your queen initially. By doing |
| done so that the player becomes ready | | | | this, you are actually giving a chance |
| for the middle game. To make yourself | | | | to your opponent to threaten your queen. |
| perfect in the game, you need to follow | | | | Develop the heavy pieces also. |
| some basic steps. These steps are | | | | When playing the opening game, you |
| offered by the world class chess | | | | should keep certain things in your mind. |
| players. Of course you need a lot of | | | | Lets take an example if White moves |
| experience to master the art of playing | | | | first. In total there are 8 pawns, and |
| chess. | | | | they can advance up to 2 squares. Other |
| When you move a piece from one position | | | | than the two knights, the rest of the |
| to another, it is said to have | | | | pieces cannot be moved. The knights can |
| developed. So, development is the most | | | | advance to two squares each. White needs |
| essential principle that is applied | | | | to remember the basic principles- first |
| initially. When a piece is developed, | | | | the development, then controlling the |
| its mobility as well as the number of | | | | centre and finally formulating a plan. |
| squares it controls increases. You must | | | | To start the development one may also |
| complete the development before you put | | | | move the knight. 1.Nc3 and 1.Nf3 are |
| any plan to work. Development is | | | | also good moves. However do not place |
| essential as it may also develop | | | | your knight on h3 or a3 as it is far |
| pressure on your opponent by threatening | | | | away from the centre. Move the pawns |
| one of his pieces. Complete the | | | | first, so1.e4, 1 .d4 and 1.c4 is good |
| development for it can lead to bad times | | | | choices. Though 1.f4 move is suitable |
| ahead! | | | | but it weakens the king slightly. Dont |
| Controlling the centre is very important | | | | move the pawns a, b, g or h as they do |
| as this is the place where most of the | | | | not control the centre. Moves like 1.d3 |
| strategic battles take place. A piece | | | | and 1.e3 are acceptable but they should |
| which is placed in the centre exerts big | | | | not be usually made. |
| pressure as it controls a number of | | | | White has more options if white plays |
| squares, so it has to be nicely placed. | | | | with 1.e4 and BLACK respond with 1.e5. |
| Central pawn moves are preferred in | | | | The White is queen and its bishop that |
| comparison to side pawn moves because | | | | is placed at f1 can also move now. Next, |
| the centre is controlled by the movement | | | | White should include all the basic moves |
| of the pawn. Regular piece development | | | | like 2.d4, 2.Nf3, 2.Nc3, 2.Bc4. though |
| may also help in controlling the centre. | | | | there are some other good moves also; |
| You should never postpone castling | | | | these are considered the best ones! |
| because king safety is very important. | | | | White should not move 2.Bd3 as it has |
| It increases the safety of the king and | | | | some limitations. It prevents the pawns |
| also helps in development of the rook. | | | | from making advances and bishops |
| To be on the safer side, you should go | | | | mobility is not increased. The pawn |
| for short castling. You are giving an | | | | needs to move so 2.Bd3 should not be |
| opportunity to your opponent to attack | | | | moved. This is just an example to show |
| your king in case you dont castle. | | | | as to how you can play chess by |
| However there are cases, when you should | | | | following some basic rules and using |
| not castle. | | | | your own logic and judgment. These basic |
| Planning is the most important step. | | | | principles are not universal but you can |
| Make a plan in your mind and play | | | | use them to be on the safer side! |
| accordingly. You plan should include | | | | |