Openings

Legal’s Trap also known as Legal’s Mate often arises in shown or similar positions. In this example it works like an opening trap for Philidor’s Defense. White pseudo-sacrifices the queen and mates by 3 minor pieces. The trap is named after Sire de Légal (1702-1792) who was a French player, or Joseph Henry Blackburne (1841-1924), […]

Unlike Fool’s mate, Scholar’s mate often occurs in games of beginners. The main idea of Scholar’s mate is that “f7” square is weak since it’s being protected by the king alone. Remember, I told you that it is unwise to rely on traps in serious games? Scholar’s mate is a perfect example to show that. […]

Fool’s mate is the quickest mate in the game of chess possible: in just 2 moves. Even in the games of beginners it rarely occurs. Now you know why it isn’t wise to start the game with 1.f3. It weakens White’s kingside in major way. Fool’s Mate just exploits this weakness right away.

Q. Which of the central squares are more important – d4, d5, e4 or e5?  As a point of reference, let’s say the player is playing White. Can you explain why? A. That depends if you playing so-called light squared game or dark squared game – which basically means what squares you are trying to […]

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.