Chess Tutorial : Opening Essentials

In chess, a winning game plan starts with the first move. The objective in the opening of a chess game is to reach a good position. The principles of opening play follow the general principles for Positional Play.

The key for both sides is that White moves first. White spends the first part of the game trying to convert this temporary advantage into something more lasting. Black tries to eliminate White's temporary advantage.

The initial moves have been studied and mapped since the first Pawn was pushed hundreds of years ago. Here are tools to help you understand better this critical part of a chess game.

It doesn't matter how creative you may be in the middle game or endgame if you lose in the opening. Avoid the quick knockout and get a comfortable game. Maybe even deliver a quick knockout yourself!