Basic Elements of Chess

Open with either the King’s Pawn or the Queen’s Pawn.

Make one or two Pawn moves in the opening, not more.

Play to get control over the center.

Always try to maintain at least one pawn in the center.

Develop Knights before Bishops.

Do not bring your Queen out early.

Castle as soon as possible, preferably on the King’s side.

Whenever possible, make a good developing move which threatens something.

Pick the most suitable square for a piece and develop it there once and for all.

Push, and defend your passed Pawns.

Try to promote a passed Pawn.

Attack Pawn chains at the base.

Attack only if you control the center.

Attack in the area where you control more space.

Place your Rooks on open files, whenever possible.

Place your Rooks on the seventh rank, whenever possible.

Knights positioned on the rim (the side of the board) are grim (not so good).

Queens belong in front of Bishops and behind Rooks during an attack.

If you have more Pawns than your opponent, exchange pieces not Pawns.

If you have fewer Pawns than your opponent, exchange Pawns not pieces.

If your opponent has a passed Pawn try to blockade that Pawn.

Always start and end the game with a friendly handshake, and remember to have fun.