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