Reference - Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

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.

Pay attention to the Bishops when you fix Pawns permanently
Pay attention to the Bishops when you fix Pawns permanently. Since Bishops move on one color, Pawns on that color are problematic.

Attack pinned pieces
Attack pinned pieces. Throw everything (especially Pawns) at pinned pieces.

Keep your Pawn structure healthy
Keep your Pawn structure healthy. Try to ruin your opponent's structure.

Play your Pawn moves carefully and purposely
Play your Pawn moves carefully and purposely. Just move enough Pawns to fight for the center and free your pieces.

Capture toward the center with Pawns
Capture toward the center with Pawns. When you have a choice of Pawn captures, pay attention to the center.

Beware of capturing wing Pawns, especially with the Queen
Beware of capturing wing Pawns, especially with the Queen. Wing Pawns are often poisoned Pawns.

Develop Knights to f3 and c3 (f6 and c6)
Develop Knights to f3 and c3 (f6 and c6). There they have the most influence on the center.

Keep Knights as close to the center as possible
Keep Knights as close to the center as possible. 'A Knight on the rim is grim.'

Don't block your Bishops with Pawns
Don't block your Bishops with Pawns. Develop your Bishops before blocking their diagonals.

Develop minor pieces early
Develop minor pieces early. And develop Knights before Bishops.

Clear your back rank to connect the Rooks
Clear your back rank to connect the Rooks. Connected Rooks can easily reach the central files to seize open lines.

Develop Rooks on open files
Develop Rooks on open files. Or develop them on files likely to open in the next few moves.

Don't attack too early with the Queen
Don't attack too early with the Queen. An early attack with the Queen often boomerangs.

Don't castle automatically if the position is blocked
Don't castle automatically if the position is blocked. Your King can wait to castle if the opponent's pieces can't reach it.

Prevent your opponent from castling if possible
Prevent your opponent from castling if possible. Keep your opponent's King trapped in the center.

Castle early if the position is open
Castle early if the position is open. Consider carefully on which side to castle.

Don't move Pawns in front of your castled King
Don't move Pawns in front of your castled King. Pawns are your King's best protection.