Chess rules · beginner
How to Start a Chess Game
Three simple rules for the opening.
touch_appLearn it by doing: read the short explanation, then play it on the board.
The rule
Three golden rules for the start of the game: 1. Control the centre with your pawns (e4, d4). 2. Develop your knights and bishops towards the centre. 3. Castle early to keep your king safe.
Avoid moving the same piece again and again, and don't bring your queen out too early: it can be chased around and lose time.
Practise it
- How to start a game: Three simple rules for the opening.
- Don't fall for early traps: How to answer an early queen attack.
Check yourself
What's a good first move for White?add
e2-e4. e4 grabs the centre and opens lines for your queen and bishop.
Which pieces should you usually develop first?add
Knights and bishops. Knights and bishops (the 'minor pieces') come out first.
Why castle early?add
To keep your king safe and connect your rooks. Castling hides your king behind pawns and brings a rook towards the centre.
Black to move. White threatens Qxf7#. Which move defends?add
...g6. ...g6 blocks the queen's path to f7 (and attacks her). ...Qe7 also works. ...Nf6?? allows Qxf7#.
After ...g6, White's queen must move. What has Black gained?add
Time: White's queen gets chased while Black develops. An early queen can be kicked around, and each kick is a free developing move for you.
What's the best general rule against early queen attacks?add
Defend calmly, then develop with tempo by attacking the queen. Defend the threat, then develop pieces that attack her. She'll waste moves running.
Tips
- Centre, develop, castle.
- Block the line to f7.