Developing vs Attacking

Right, I am a beginner player rated at around 500ish (it goes up and down every day). I am constantly trying to follow the principles taught in this app. In the opening stages of the game I begin by developing my pieces, when I play against another player who follows the same principles I have a good length fun game. However, when I play against a player who is aggressive and launches attacks against me before I can finish development I get pummelled before I know what is happening. Does anyone know some tricks to defending against aggressive play? And, is developing your pieces more important than launching an attack before the enemy can?

1. The usual advice...tactics...tactics...tactics...

2. Unless youre going to flat out win material, you DO NOT start attacking until you have completed your development.

3. Dont get caught up in labels like attack...defense...etc until you improve your game.

Good Luck!

That was awesome!!!! Thank you for that!!!

You are very welcome.

Diakona at the end of your line.  "winning the knight or the rook" I think isn't accurate- as the knight is protected.

oc.  most of this is top notch, and its usually seeing tactical opporunities that gets you out of the lower ranks of chess.com.

 if you work hard at seeing all the tactics that your opponent misses, well its like picking up gold nuggets in a very rich vein.  they add up quickly.

You are correct!  I noticed that fater i submitted it.  Good catch.  Good to know somone is reviewing my feeble efforts :-)