General opening tips?

Hi,

I am interested in improving the opening of my game. I already know the basic rules of the opening e.g. Develop pieces, castle, bring knights out before bishops, try to control the centre. I was wondering whether anyone would be helpful enough to give me some slightly more advanced tips for the opening?

Thank you, all help is appreciated.

The latest theory (WC match 27 April 2010) dont castle.

Also, moving a piece often is also good, see the Bishop maneuvre Bc8-f5-g6-h7-g8-f7-e8-d7-b5.

You castle for a purpose. If your king is safer and better positioned in the center, you shouldn't castle.

To the OP:  I am not really of the calibur to give advice, but I will throw in my $.02 anyway.

The basic opening priciples you stated are correct.  From here it is learning how to put them into play.  Pick a couple of openings from each side of the board and start to look at "theory".  Dont just memorize.  Try to understand what each move does.  What squares are you occupying or putting pressure on?  What are you threatening to do with each move?  What is the other side doing with their moves?  A little theory with genuine understanding will stand you in far better position than just memorizing lines.  If you understand what is going on in a few lines you will be able to think for yourself much better when you have to go "off book", which sooner or later you will have to do.

As a matter of fact, no rule is set in stone. You'll see many openings violating one or more of the rules for a purpose. Start with the general principles (you'll see them in plenty of books and articles) and once you study the openings of your choice you'll see how they are fulfilled or why they might be violated.