Centre, development, castling is lesson 1 of 2 in Opening principles, a strategy course suited to players rated around 650 (beginners). Three rules give you a good game against anyone: centre, develop, castle. It has 4 interactive exercises: 4 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
1. Put a pawn or two in the centre (e4, d4). 2. Bring out the knights and bishops towards the centre. 3. Castle to make your king safe. Try not to move the same piece twice in the opening without a good reason.
What you practise
Play a good first move: put a pawn in the centre.
Black answered in the centre too. Now develop a knight towards the centre.
Bring out a bishop to an active square, so you can castle next.
The squares between your king and the h1 rook are empty. Make your king safe!
Worked examples
Play a good first move: put a pawn in the centre. Good: a pawn in the centre, and lines open for your queen and bishop.
Black answered in the centre too. Now develop a knight towards the centre. Good: the knight comes out towards the centre, where it controls the most squares.
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