Use Logical Chess Opening Strategy

Try the Queen's Pawn Game for a positional tussle

Develop your chess opening strategy where you will prepare your troops for the ensuing battle. Open so that you can utilize your growing prowess as a chess tactician.

There are a number of things to consider for chess opening strategy. Firstly rapid development of our pieces is crucial. Piece mobility is also critical. It is important to post your pieces to good squares in as few moves as possible to maximize their power. Any move that also frustrates your opponent from achieving the same ends is very worthwhile.

In the openings attention must be also be paid to the pawn structure. The pawns are a crucial part of the struggle for the center, which begins here. Center pawns must also be pushed on in order to develop the pieces.

Choose Openings Based on Pawn Structure

Chess Opening Strategy (Open Sicilian) The pawn structure in this opening results in a central majority for Black

We must remain conscious of the pawn structure in the opening and beyond. Poor pawn play is not necessarily punished right away. But the chickens often come home to roost in the endgame.

It is important to recognize the significance of the pawn and the pivotal role that they play in chess. Acclaimed 18th Century chess player Philidor correctly described pawns as the soul of chess.

Pawn structure is central to chess opening strategy. Keep a sound pawn structure, shielding the King's stronghold from attack, battling for the center and allowing for quick development.

Fight For the Center

Chess Opening Strategy (English Opening, Botvinnik System) The struggle for the center is instrumental in determining the pattern and the outcome of the game

Laying an early claim to the center is a primary goal in the opening. The center pawns on the e and f-files are central to this task. They will be assisted by the minor pieces.

The central pawns and Bishop's pawns are pushed on. Knights and Bishops join the fight for the center which will continue into the middlegame. In the opening the pieces are provisionally developed. The main struggle takes place in the middlegame.

In the King's Pawn Openings and the Queen's Pawn Openings a direct claim for the center is made. In the Flank Openings (Irregular Openings) the center is initially surrendered only to be attacked from the sides.

Rapid Development is Crucial

Morphy - Count Isoaurd, 1858; White develops much faster than Black, and as a result, wins quickly in spite of being down a Knight and Queen

It is vital to mobilize the pieces swiftly. Knights and Bishops should be posted to advantageous squares. The King needs to be castled to safety. Rooks should gravitate toward the central files, though remaining on the home rank.

The Queen should also be tucked in safely for now, preferably on the second rank. She would be vulnerable to capture if she were sent to the heart of the battle early on.

At the very least your opponent will likely steal time from you by attacking her as he develops. A safe position not beyond the third rank is best for this important lady.

Get Your Pieces Mobile

Chess Opening Strategy (Danish Gambit) White uses this gambit to get mobile pieces quickly, look at the power of his Bishops

In addition to developing pieces quickly it is important to bring them to good squares. This is essentially posting them to positions where they can bear down on the opposition forces to the greatest possible effect.

The best squares for Knights are towards the center. Bishops should be placed on the long diagonals or the next diagonal over. What you want is pieces to have command of as many squares as possible. They should exert their influence on the central squares. This will limit the space available to your opponent.

It is better for your pieces if your pawns win space. The pieces can then support each other while avoiding blocking one another. You can more easily achieve harmony between your pieces if you gain a space advantage.

The Peril of Lost Moves

Lost moves are usually fatal. Here after just three moves Black has already allowed White a massive lead in development

Only pawn moves that are intrinsic to development should be made in the openings. The main goals in the opening are namely - establish a strong center, maintain a durable pawn structure, mobilize forces for the coming fight and get your King safe.

Any move made by either piece or pawn that does not lend itself to achieving these aims can be considered a lost move. Moving a piece from one location to another in more moves than necessary represents a lost move. As does moving pawns that do not need to be moved early on.

Dropping tempi due to lost moves has serious consequences. The ultimate price is always paid against an experienced opponent for these errors.

Hamper Your Opponent When You Can

Boleslavsky - Bondarevsky (Tblisi, 1951)

You are now getting a handle on what you should be trying to achieve in the openings. So it should be equally clear on what you can do to frustrate your opponent. Any developing move that also delays your opponent's development is a good move.

Whether you are playing against a beginner, an intermediate or an advanced player, you should approach the game in the same way.

Your opponent may or may not approach the game armed with sound strategy. No matter you should play your own game. As you know what you need to do, equally you know what you should try to prevent your opponent from doing.

Moving On

Sometimes tactics are the best moves in a position

Now you know what you have to do in the openings. What systems or variations will best achieve your chess opening strategy goals?

This is a skeletal set of principles of best practice. You will develop your own style with experience. You will put the meat on the bones. The advice given here is mainly for guidance. These ideas were developed by the world's best. They learned the hard way through trial and error.

You have begun to get to grips with best practice principles for your openings. All you need now are some reliable systems which you will now understand. Tell everyone about your best chess moves.