Chess Moment · Openings
Opening Principles: the centre, development and checks
Chess opening principles on real positions: claim the centre with a pawn, bring each piece out with a purpose, and answer a check with a move that develops.
The lessons
Make room in the centre
Two centre pawns give your pieces more moves and take squares from your opponent’s.
Bring a knight into play
Each opening move should bring a new piece to a square where it does something.
Answer the threat first
A check is a demand for one move. The right answer develops a piece and costs nothing.