- Protect your pawns. Generally, pawns are seen as the weakest and most expendable pieces. But it’s important to remember that your weakest pieces can become your strongest! At the end of the game, two Queens are stronger than one Queen and any other piece!
- Start strong. Don’t save your pieces until the end. Get them out in an aggressive offense, especially if you are playing white and have the first turn.
- Get control of the center of the board, particularly the four centermost spaces. From these spaces, any piece except Pawns or Kings has a big advantage and more freedom to move and capture.
- Always think as many moves ahead as you can. The best strategy comes from analytical thinking and a good memory. Watch the board and plan your moves, even when it’s not your turn. Get into the habit of thinking “If my opponent does this, I will do that. But if my opponent does this other thing, I’ll go with option b…” Re-evaluate your plan with every move!
- Know the value of your pieces, and keep that in mind. The value of chess pieces are, from least valuable to most valuable: Pawns, Knights and Bishops, Rooks, and then Queens. Kings are not considered, because you can’t sacrifice your King.
- Never take an opponent’s pieces without searching the board! Is your opponent setting you up? Check all his pieces to make sure he can’t capture yours as soon as you move. If he can, is it worth it to get his piece?
May 31st, 2010 | 
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