Opening chess moves are critical to a chess player’s strong game. The strategy behind an opening chess move can help him gain control of the game or lose it. And most chess players understand that if they can gain control at the beginning of the game, they can usually retain it throughout the entire thing. That’s enough motivation to study and practice different chess opening strategies; after all that’s why we play right, to win?
Strategies behind an opening chess move can vary respectively between different players’ likes and dislikes. A strategy that works for one player, may not work or be well liked by another. That’s why it’s so important to learn and try different chess opening strategies before you take them into tournament play. Let’s take a look at some different opening strategies in chess and how they can give you the advantage against your opponent. These are by no means in any order as they differ in use by each player’s needs and likeness.
Strategy #1: Castling
This is not generally thought of as an opening move but is done early enough in the game that some chess players will consider it in the chess opening moves. It is always a good idea to castle your king for more protection. Castling can only occur however under certain conditions:
• The pieces between the king and the rook must be moved
• Both the king and the rook have to be in their original positions
• There can be no opposing piece that can capture the king in his original square or in the squares he will be moving to.
In the actual play the king will move forward two squares toward the rook he intends to castle with. The rook will then move to the square from which the king passed. This particular chess opening move is a great defensive strategy. Castling has the benefit of bringing both rooks together so they are able to attack other pieces together.
Strategy #2: The Sicilian Defense
This is a popular defense strategy used on the defensive or offensive side. In this play the pawn in front of the queen’s bishop is advanced which allows a quick exit to the queen. The strategy behind this opening chess move is that it gets rid of the queen making it a little easier for you to do (as she is the most powerful piece in the game) what you came to do; attack the king and win the game.
Strategy #3: The two knights play
This strategy is used just the way it sounds. During the opening moves both of your knights are put into play without moving a pawn. This allows them to move two squares forward and turn toward the center of the board (which taking control of the center board is something you really want to do). This opening is usually followed by moving the king’s pawn forward and makes it possible for at least four other offensive pieces to enter the game quickly and effectively. The strategy behind this opening chess move is getting your players into the center board and taking control of the game quickly. A word of caution however to beginner players; this strategy will most likely mean that you lose one or both of your knights with less valuable players in return.
There are obviously many other strategies to use in a chess opening. These are only a few of them. Keep in mind that the strategy behind an opening chess move is as important as the move itself. It can give you the advantage, or leave you with nothing. You decide.