ROSA GAMES / Game guides
Starting chess: a plan for your first moves
In the opening, understanding the purpose of a move is more useful than memorising a long sequence. Start with three aims: develop your pieces, influence the centre and keep your king safe.
Develop towards the centre
The e- and d-pawns help claim central squares while knights and bishops gain useful routes into play. You do not need to move every pawn first: an active piece is often worth more than another advanced pawn. Bringing the queen out early can let your opponent develop pieces while attacking her.
Check before you move
Look first for checks, captures and direct threats available to your opponent. Then ask which piece your intended move leaves undefended. Before exchanging pieces, count the recaptures through to the end rather than considering only the first pair.
Learn from your own position
After a game, find one moment where you lost material or overlooked king safety. Undo in a local game lets you revisit that position and try another plan. Practise calmly against the computer, then test your decisions against another player.