Opening Patterns and Themes

Opening Patterns and Themes

There is no need to memorize long lists of openings to play good chess. In fact, if you do take the time and trouble to memorize all the openings that are currently in fashion you may wake up tommorrow and discovery that your openings are now out of style and you have to start all over again. It is far better to understand the ideas, themes and patterns that are prevalent in the openings and make the best over the board moves you can find. If you are a master player who makes his living from chess you may disagree with me, but misters who are not masters need not waste time on memorization of openings. Besides it is a good idea to take your enemy out of the book as much as possible and make him play chess not "Concentration." However it is useful to see what openings people play, to familiarize yourself with the patterns of these openings and to understand the ideas behind them. I have found a website that lists most of the openings known to man and shows their patterns and explains their ideas. To go there just click here. Another little secret about playing the openings is that on the internet there is a device called "Chess Opening Explorer." This device can be used to compare your games--especially the openings--with master and grandmaster games letting you know whether or not your moves were correct.

Here are ten opening principles to keep in mind when playing chess:

OPEN with a CENTER PAWN.
DEVELOP with threats.
KNIGHTS before BISHOPS.
DON'T move the same piece twice.
Make as FEW PAWN MOVES as possible in the opening.
DON'T bring out your QUEEN too early.
CASTLE as soon as possible, preferably on the KING SIDE.
ALWAYS PLAY TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CENTER.
Try to maintain at least ONE PAWN in the center.
DON'T SACRIFICE without a clear and adequate reason.

For a sacrificed pawn you must:
a) GAIN THREE TEMPI,
b) DEFLECT the enemy QUEEN,
c) PREVENT CASTLING,
d) BUILD UP a strong attack.

Below are listed the general themes, patterns and ideas behind all openings in general.
1. Rapid Opening Development
2. Centralize Pieces
3. Control Center
4. Knights Before Bishops
5. Knight Doubling
6. Bishop's Placement
7. Pieces Movement
8. Early Pawn Moves
9. No Unnecessary Checking
10. Position Opening
11. Castling Quickly
12. Castling Prevention
13. Territory
14. Putting The Question
15. Castle Busting
16. Over Protection
17. Learn the Tricks, Traps and Attacks for your favorite openings.
18. Pawn at King 5

Thoughts Have Wings!

This is an interactive website and a work in progress. We are seeking your ideas, comments, brickbats and bouquets. If you have a new idea, diagram, technique or anything at all that you think would be of interest to me just click the above dove of love to send an email. Also if you would like to make a cash contribution let me know. I, personally am spending my own time and money to make this site possible and if you would like to share with me in any way, money or ideas please do not hesitate to do so. If you are the prime source of a chess related product and would be interested in allowing me to sell this item for you from banners on this site please do contact me. Also if you would like to improve your own chess game while helping others you can become a volunteer analyst. Just send your name, elo and email address and I will make a little list and put you on it. I promise not to let the Lord High Executioner see it. If you have a chess related website let's exchange links.

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