QuickTips Index

Watch for weaknesses which can be exploited by unopposed Bishops
Watch for weaknesses which can be exploited by unopposed Bishops. Since Bishops move on one color, weaknesses on that color are problematic.

Develop with threats
Develop with threats. Don't threaten pointlessly.

Build batteries on open lines
Build batteries on open lines. Batteries are two pieces attacking on the same line.

Watch out for isolated Pawns
Watch out for isolated Pawns. They can't be defended by other Pawns.

Play with the pieces
Play with the pieces. Not with the Pawns.

Rely on your own judgement
Rely on your own judgement. Don't simply trust your opponent.

Don't ignore your opponent's move
Don't ignore your opponent's move. Meet all of your opponent's threats.

Attack the King with pieces
Attack the King with pieces. Don't rely on just one piece.

If ahead in development, attack
If ahead in development, attack. Exploit an advantage in development.

If behind in development, keep the position closed
If behind in development, keep the position closed. Try to keep the position closed.

Don't play for an early checkmate
Don't play for an early checkmate. Take action when your development is complete.

Develop line pieces on open lines
Develop line pieces on open lines. The Queen, Rook, and Bishop are pieces that move in straight lines.

Develop your pieces toward the center
Develop your pieces toward the center. The sides and corners of the board are less important.

Develop your pieces quickly
Develop your pieces quickly. Keep track of your developing moves.

Don't move the same piece twice in the opening
Don't move the same piece twice in the opening. Develop a different piece on each move.

Know when and what to exchange
Know when and what to exchange. Exchange pieces when you're ahead in material, Pawns when you're behind.

The activity of the pieces is essential
The activity of the pieces is essential. An active position is often worth a Pawn.

Pay careful attention to passed Pawns
Pay careful attention to passed Pawns. The passed Pawn is the soul of the endgame.

Avoid doubled, isolated, and blocked Pawns
Avoid doubled, isolated, and blocked Pawns. This is true for the endgame as well as the middle game.

All Pawns on one side is drawish
All Pawns on one side is drawish. A Pawn plus is often not enough to win.

Rooks belong behind passed Pawns
Rooks belong behind passed Pawns. They don't belong in front.

Block a passed Pawn with a King or a Knight
Block a passed Pawn with a King or a Knight. The line pieces lose power when blocking Pawns.

Know when a Bishop is better than a Knight or vice versa
Know when a Bishop is better than a Knight or vice versa. Bishops are an advantage except when the fight is local.

Two Bishops are a real advantage
Two Bishops are a real advantage. They are almost always better than any other pair of minor pieces.

Rook Pawns are problematic in endgames and often draw
Rook Pawns are problematic in endgames and often draw. In many positions a Rook Pawn only draws where any other Pawn would win.