Opening Principles

Wow! We have made it to the penultimate lesson of the 14-day Learn Chess Series, and at this point, I am more than excited for how I was able to see this series down to this point. Throughout the series, we have covered many lessons, such as the chessboard, pieces, the language of chess, basic chess tactics, special moves, and now we are about to treat opening principles, a crucial lesson for every chess beginner out there. At this point, it feels like I am out of any story to give for my lesson, because I must have given it all out. Hmmm. I have to think of one.

Whenever you see movies where they are about to go into battle, probably with another kingdom or country, there is always a war room where the leader and his advisers gather in the interest of coming up with a plan that can win them the battle or at least give them an edge. This is where you begin to hear decisions like more ammo, weapons, and even allies. Then, approaches or better guidelines on how to achieve this task begin to come to light.

Just like this movie reference, chess opening principles are just like that. They are simple guidelines that give whoever follows them an edge and punish whoever ignores them. These principles are easy to follow and simple to remember.

First, open the game with a center pawn. At the beginning of a chess game, always aim to start your first move with a move that places your pawn at the center of the board, as this will help control more squares for you and create more space for your officers at the back. Even though you might choose not to start with the pawn on the first move, you can use the knight, which is the only piece aside from the pawn that you can move on your first move. If it is the knight you choose to play on your first move, make sure you place it on a square that allows the knight to control a center square.

Second, develop your knight before your bishop. Knights are faster to develop because of their ability to jump over a piece and control multiple squares when placed well. So why not develop it as fast as possible?

Third, do not move your queen early in the game. I have said this earlier in our series, and I will repeat it: try to make at least 10 moves before you think of moving your queen.

Fourth, Castle early to protect your king. Since the game revolves around the king, protect it as early as possible by castling immediately when you create the chance.

Fifth, develop your rooks towards the center or open files. After castling has been achieved, you should aim to place your rooks on open files or towards the center.

Sixth, start attacking your opponent after you have completely brought your pieces to fight.

Seventh, capture towards the center when you have the opportunity to do so. It will pay off in the long run

And those are the seven simple opening principles, abide by them and you will play good chess.

Here is a video to help you better understand opening principles