How to get better in Bughouse?

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Andriisarchus

StumpyBlitzer

https://support.chess.com/article/349-bughouse

Some rules etc on that link 

BigSplat2018

From a discussion 13 years ago:

Credit for these tips goes to the Hawaii State Bughouse Champs.  

1. Moving non-center pawns is risky and should be avoided unless necessary. Pieces have easy access into your position through piece drops, and any "holes" can be taken advantage of. Likewise, moves to create holes are very useful (P@h6, etc.).

2.  The best strategy is attacking, as fuel for the fire can be quickly received through piece flow. In contrast, positional play is too slow for the game; why attack a weak pawn when you get one instantly through a teammate's piece trade?

3. Important! Play two(count em, two) boards, and not just your own. Know when trading is ok, and know when it should be avoided. Make sure you and your partner have good communications as to what pieces are good and what pieces are bad (for the opponent to have.)

4. Sacrificing a piece is often worth opening an opponent's king position, but only if an attack can be continued. Do not simply sac then nag your opponent for pieces as you may not get them.

5. The f2/f7 squares are the weakest on the board (being only protected by the king) so, as a rule of thumb, attacks are quickest through these squares. An often seen remedy for sacrificial attacks is 1...e6 but a good response to this move is "laddering" (See tip 8)

6. Make sure you King's bishop is always developed. The king needs breathing room in case of a sacrificial attack, and often the safest square is f1/f8.

7. Play fast! In most games, time can be a deciding factor. Players can stall for a needed piece if they're up time, but have to move if they're not.  In some situations, mate can only be avoided through a piece drop, but if they're down on time, then its game over.

8. "Laddering" is a plan that consists of connected pawns toward an opponents position, and is very useful in cracking a cramped position. An example of a ladder is: 1. d4 d6 2. e4 e5 3. d5! Be7 4. Bc4 threatening P@e6 with a strong attack. Note: The french advance (1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5!) is a very good opening in "bughouse" compared to its normal chess mimic. The routine 3...c5 merely creates holes in blacks position at c7 and d6, and white has already begun a "ladder" towards d6 or f6.

9. A piece in hand is worth two on the board. Placing a piece down to check or to merely threaten a piece is a waste of your teammate's hard work (in getting the piece.) Use your own pieces till pieces in hand can be put to optimal use.

10. Castling is, for the most part, not recommended. Knowing where you king lies makes it easier for an opponent to know where he should concentrate his pieces. It also takes a move, which is crucial in bug.

Have fun! Just remember its always your teammate's fault if your lose, and if he/she complains, just tell him/her to get better! Likewise, if you win, then its all you baby! Gloat and complain to your teammate that he didn't do a thing (if your teammate is the one who mated, then just say he couldn't have without your pieces!). 

Monie49
Trash talk is encouraged.