Simple Advice about How to Start a Game of Chess

by Michael Ciamarra, Chess Coach and Trainer

Chess has three stages: the opening, the middlegame and the endgame. This column will give you three simple rules that will help you through the opening. Beginners are sometimes stupefied by the variety of possibilities in the opening of chess. But you can learn about the opening by studying classic chess books like Logical Chess Move by Move, by Irving Chernev and asking advice from more experienced chess players.

First: The most important thing in the opening is to control the center of the chess board. Therefore you must strive to occupy the center squares with your pawns and develop your pieces (knights and bishops to start with) towards the center.

Second: Develop your pieces quickly. The main thing is not to make aimless moves, mark time with your pieces or make unnecessary pawn moves. All your opening moves should be directed to the center. At the same time you should avoid creating any weaknesses in your position - doubled pawns is an example. Be careful about making too many pawn moves in the opening. They must be made to cooperate with the pieces, not get in their way.

Third: The king’s safety is more important than material gain! You should hide your king as quickly as possible (in the first 10-12 moves) in a safe refuge. Castle when you can.

Chess Moves

Chess Grid Here with the following below

Black’s position is very strong – all his pieces pointing at white’s king. What is the quickest win?