Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • iChess
    • ChessTeacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman`s Chess Lab
    • Foxy Series
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

Basic ideas behind chess openings

Yury Markushin
Yury Markushin
10.06.2009
Category: Openings
Tags: chess openings, open up well, understand chess,
Basic ideas behind chess openings

The main idea of pretty much any chess opening is to develop pieces as quickly and effectively as possible. Here are some basic principles for white which can be applied to most opening situations in the world.

  • Try to form a solid pawn center. By solid pawn center I mean c, d, and e-pawns or d and e-pawns. It’s very good to place these pawns on the 4th rank. The “ideal” structure for white could look something like this: Pawns: d4, e4 – to influence central squares c5, d5, e5, and f5.

Knights: Nc3, Nf3 – to double attack the center, to safeguard the king (e-2 square).

Bishops: Bc4, Bf4 – to take a control of a2-g8, a6-h1, c1-h6 and h2-c7 diagonals.

King: Kg1 (after “O-O” castle king side) – to ensure the safety of a king.

Rooks: Rd1, Re1 – to take a control of semi-open files.

  • The knights are strongest in the center and weakest at the corner because they are short distance pieces (can only attack in close range). Therefore, knights should be developed on c3 and f3 squares where they are powerful, closer to the center.
  • Bishops, in contrast with knights, are long distance pieces. Therefore, it is crucial for bishops take control of diagonals, especially of long diagonals (a-h diagonal).
  • Rooks should be placed on open files or on places where a file will open up.
  • Queen is a universal piece since it can control both ranks/files and diagonals. However, it’s not a very good idea of developing a queen fast since it can easily become a target of enemy forces.
Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • Chess Openings: How to Learn Them? The Complete GuideChess Openings: How to Learn Them? The Complete Guide
  • Openings: 10 Best Systems for BeginnersOpenings: 10 Best Systems for Beginners
  • 1.e4 Fianchetto System with FM Zaur Tekeyev [TCW Academy]1.e4 Fianchetto System with FM Zaur Tekeyev [TCW Academy]
Related Products
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Login
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
sampathkumar Medavar
11.20.2013 07:26

Thanks
Goodluck

0
Reply
exterior painting
05.14.2012 07:41

This is really an interesting blog as it focuses on the very important topic. i came to know about so many things or tips.

0
Reply
Yury
01.31.2012 15:50

[quote name=”ASHUTOSH GOYAL”]VERY NICE SIR.[/quote]
Thanks, Ashutosh.

0
Reply
ASHUTOSH GOYAL
01.13.2012 18:06

VERY NICE SIR.

0
Reply
hitesh s jariya
05.12.2011 06:07

HALLO ALL CHESS FRIEND

0
Reply
bonga
04.06.2010 15:30

the strategy and skill is master move to defend and propel forward its very much of great use

0
Reply
habitat for humanity
01.07.2010 00:25

hlw
here i m
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this
article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well……

0
Reply
painting service
01.07.2010 00:24

hi
here is iqbal
I saw this video clip , i really enjoyed while reading it…………………….thank u………………

0
Reply
NFL Football
01.07.2010 00:24

Its really a great topic. I like this topic. I think, its may be help all of us.
I want know about this site. So give me some information.
Thanks.

0
Reply
edinburgh
01.07.2010 00:24

I like this Video. Its a really funny video. 😀 😀

0
Reply
Search Engine Opt
01.07.2010 00:24

These pages are devoted to all aspects of chess graphics. An animated chess clock design .

0
Reply
Lawyers Brukunga
01.07.2010 00:23

I am trying to win chess muster game against computer. But I can’t………

0
Reply
Web Design
01.07.2010 00:23

Can anyone tell me that what is the standard height & width of a Chess table?

0
Reply
cricket scores
01.07.2010 00:23

Shockwave3D.com is the place to go for links to the best Shockwave 3D games on the Web. We list free 3D games that do not require any special software or installs. Shockwave is all you need!

0
Reply
homeserve
01.07.2010 00:23

What is the difference in animation 2d and 3d?

0
Reply
grag
01.07.2010 00:22

so funny 🙂

0
Reply
Online P
01.07.2010 00:22

Great Animation work done

0
Reply
forex
01.07.2010 00:22

nice cartoon.. great chess…

0
Reply
asher
01.07.2010 00:21

i think you are very love with chess.. nice thing to do… 🙂

0
Reply
Join more than 30,000 subscribers and get access FREE Chess Study Guide!
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us support@thechessworld.com
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2022 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz
wpDiscuz