Pandolfini's Ultimate Guide to Chess

by Bruce Pandolfini

Opening “Don’ts” 1. Don’t make unnecessary pawn moves. 2. Don’t bring out the queen too early. 3. Don’t move a piece twice in the opening. 4. Don’t trade a developed piece for an undeveloped one. 5. Don’t exchange without good reason. 6. Don’t develop just to bring a piece out and not with a specific purpose. 7. Don’t block your center pawns. 8. Don’t impede the development of other friendly pieces. 9. Don’t weaken your king’s position or move your uncastled king. 10. Don’t move knights to the edge of the board. 11. Don’t waste time or moves. 12. Don’t indulge in pawn-grabbing. 13. Don’t sacrifice without good reason. 14. Don’t refuse a sacrifice because your opponent made it quickly and confidently. Analyze it, then decide. 15. Don’t play without a plan. 16. Don’t develop in an uncoordinated way. 17. Don’t change plans from move to move. 18. Don’t remain uncastled too long. 19. Don’t advance pawns too far too soon. 20. Don’t ignore your opponent’s moves. 21. Don’t give pointless checks. 22. Don’t capriciously avoid making natural captures or recaptures. 23. Don’t take your opponent too lightly or too seriously. 24. Don’t play a set order of moves without regard to your opponent’s responses. 25. Don’t open the center with your king still uncastled.