Chess for Beginners: Know the Rules, Choose Your Strategy, and Start Winning

by Yelizaveta Orlova

Every piece in chess (with exception of the King) has a better advantage when placed toward the center.

•Move in open positions, that is, positions with mostly open or semi-open files and diagonals •Try to keep both Bishops

•Don’t bring out the Queen too early, as it can be attacked or even trapped •Bring the Queen out in the middle of the game, once the Knight and Bishops are developed •Since the Queen is very powerful—the strongest attacker—try to include it in any attacks

•Move in closed positions, that is, positions with mostly blocked files and diagonals •Place a Knight on an outpost square (a square that can’t be attacked by an enemy Pawn)