The first school rule is this: AT THE START OF THE GAME, DON'T TOUCH YOUR KING-SIDE (f, g and h) PAWNS UNLESS YOU HAVE A VERY GOOD REASON. Watch what could happen if you break this rule. |
White started with f2-f3. Well, it looked as good as anything else on the board. Which move would you recommend for Black?
e7-e5
f7-f5
g7-g5 h7-h5 |
Yes, Black played e7-e5 and White's second move was g2-g4. How did Black win the game at once?
Qd8-e7
Qd8-f6
Qd8-g5 Qd8-h4+ |
Yes, it's CHECKMATE!! This is the quickest way to get mated - in two moves! It's called FOOL'S MATE. Only a fool would play the opening like that. You wouldn't play those moves, would you? |
Which of these moves would you play if you were Black?
d7-d6
e7-e6
e7-e5 h7-h5 |
So White brings his Queen out instead. I've already given you a big clue for Black's next move. Is it...
Qd8-g5
d7-d5
f7-f5 Qd8-h4 |
Black threatens the queen and White thinks he's found a safe square.
But now Black has a really special move, that THREATENS and TRAPS the Queen. Can you find it?
Bf8-d6
Qd8-g5
Qd8-f6 g7-g5 |
A sensational move! Just take a look at White's Queen! Does she have a safe square? If you look carefully at the position you'll find that whatever White does his Queen will be captured next move! |
They often get checkmated at the start of the game
They can't find anywhere safe for their King Both of these |
And what happens to players who don't put a pawn in the middle?
They can't find good squares for their pieces
They can never ATTACK the other guy Both of these |
They often lose their queen early in the game
Their opponents get their pieces out faster Both of these |
Here are some more rules: Don't make too many pawn moves in the opening Don't move pieces twice in the opening without a good reason Develop your Knights IN THE CENTRE, NOT on the side |
Now for a quick test on these rules. Choose a move for Black in this position.
Qd8-f6
f7-f6
Nb8-c6 Bf8-c5 |
Next question: which of these moves would you play for White here?
a2-a4
Nb1-a3
Nf3xe5 Bf1-c4 |
Final question: Choose a move for White here.
d2-d4
Nf3-g5
Ke1-e2 h2-h4 |
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