You have to have a reason for everything in this game. Otherwise, it’s not chess. A trade ought to have a purpose, like anything else. If you decide on an exchange that allows your opponent to develop his pieces or improve his position, you have helped build his game at the expense of yours. Then you’ve I gained no time at all, but actually lost it. Here are some standard rules of thumb: • Don’t trade a developed piece for an undeveloped one without a good reason. • Avoid trades that develop enemy pieces in the transaction, unless you have a reason for doing otherwise. • Trade to gain time,
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