Weekly Article: The DO's and DON'Ts of Chess

 The DO's and DON'Ts of Chess: Week 3  -  August 23, 2011

Chess is an intriguing game, played by some of the most influential human beings to ever walk the earth - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, William Henry Gates and many more! I think it is only fair that you learn the DO's and DON'Ts of chess. After all, what is more important than learning what to do and what not to do?

DON'T Move Your King Too Early

Your King is the most important piece on your side of the board. It's your job to protect him from your opponent and his or her pieces. Think of the chess board as a battlefield. Your King is weaponless; he is weak and vulnerable without the protection of his army. Now imagine sending the King out onto the field to fight his own battle, alone. If you're on the same page as I am, then you know that moving the King too early is not a good idea. 

DO Develop Your Pieces

Some say that defense is the best offense. Other chess players believe that it is the other way around. What if you could do both simultaneously, while at the same time gaining a slight advantage? Another name for this amazing miracle is developing your pieces! 

The most important chess pieces to develop are your Knights and your Bishops. These two very different weapons are of major importance. The Knights are the only pieces that can "jump" around the board, whilst the Bishops can cover a multitude of squares, both dark-colored and light. Accompanied by your pawns, the Bishops and the Knights can pack quite a dangerous punch.

Thank you for reading this week's article! Check back next week for an exciting, new blog to explore!

~ CalbaMan