There are bits of advice for winning at chess. Some of these bits, though small, can be the difference in winning or losing. Some can help a beginner take the next step toward a more solid game and improved play and rating. Consider some of the following bits of advice.

Bits of advice for winning at chess:

• Concentrate!
• Play a solid opening.
• Make the best move every time!
• For most players, open with a center pawn.
• Develop your pieces!
• Gain control of the center.
• Avoid moving a piece twice in the opening (unless absolutely necessary).
• Castle quickly without sacrificing development and momentum.
• Don't just move; move with a plan and purpose!
• Plans must be short and examined from both sides of the board.
• Avoid trading pieces of equal value unless there is a clear advantage or you are ahead by at least five points.
• Where possible, prevent your opponent from castling.
• In the middle game, avoid moving and causing pawn chain weakness.
• After the opening, evaluate every possible move by considering the following: your current material, king safety, enemy attacks, ability of your pieces to move/attack, and pawn structure.
• When in even but cramped positions, look for strategic opportunities to exchange pieces.
• Knights are frequently better than bishops in cramped positions.

ChIP Step 1 is to evaluate/assess your game. With which of these do you struggle? ChIP Step 2 is to identify the needs. ChIP Step 3 is to prioritize what you have identified so that you can know the best place to start to address the needs you have identified. Share your ChIP responses. Leave a comment!

Thanks for the list.  It is a good review.   I agree fully with: Don't just move; move with a plan and purpose!

Where is "protect the king"? 

I have seen folks following all the above rules, but losing quickly because they didn't double check if the king was safe from a sacrificial attack.

One example: Don't castle into trouble. Make sure you have defenders well placed on the side of the board you are castling towards.

It is included a little in this one:

• After the opening, evaluate every possible move by considering the following: your current material, king safety, enemy attacks, ability of your pieces to move/attack, and pawn structure.

But I agree, king safety is the point of chess! Probably deserves its own point.