Chess Opening Fundamentals

What is a chess opening?

Writer  SM Keinan  @APD7 Chess252Academy 

General principles one should follow in the opening stage

An opening is the group of initial moves of a chess game, normally the first

10-12 moves. First and foremost, the aim is to control the center and to

develop pieces. What do those first 10-12 moves consist of?

Two or three pawn moves in the center.

Four to six moves with minor pieces (knight, bishop).

King safety (castling).

A queen move that ensures connectivity of the rooks.

Let us discuss these opening principles more deeply.

General opening rules in chess

1. The Center

Control the center or attack the center. If you have control there, your

pieces can attack on both sides of the board.

2. Develop your pieces

Now the next question is: what is development?

A knight

Development is “The act or process of growing or causing something to

grow or become larger”. The knight placed on g1 controls only three

squares, i.e. h3, f3 and e2.

However, when the knight is developed to f3, it controls eight squares

A bishop

Likewise, the power of the bishop is also enhanced when it moves from its

initial square. This is the same with the queen.

A rook

The power of the rook is the same whether it is on a1 or e4. It controls only

14 squares. The rook on a1 controls a1-a8 and a1-h1, while the rook on e4

controls e4-h4, e4-e8, e4-e1 and e4-a4.

Thus, a rook on a1 controls two directions but the rook on e4 controls four

directions. That is why the power of the rook increases in direction and why

we move the rooks in the later stages of the game.

Development best practice

Develop your pieces without hindering the development of your other

pieces.

Example: as White, placing your f1-bishop on d3. This move hinders the

development of the bishop on c1. Instead, make moves which hinder the

development of your opponent’s pieces.

• Find a suitable square for your piece once and for all.
• Do not try to bring your queen out early.
• Castle as early as possible.
• Try to prevent your opponent from castling.

After following the above rules, it’s now time for you to improve the

position of your queen with a concrete plan. Move your queen and connect

your rooks, and you will have successfully completed the opening.

The above diagram is a fine example of both finishing development and   connecting the rooks

• (1) Oct.17.22

Chess Openings Resources for Beginners and Beyond...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/openings-resources-for-beginners-and-beyond