Rules to the Opening

 

This is a quick guide to a video series:

This is the place to start out learning about opening strategy for any kid who already knows the rules of the game. In four videos (and two companion articles) IM Danny Rensch will teach you the basic rules or principles to follow in the opening part of the game.

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Here are links to the four videos:

Rules to the Opening 1: In the first video, we learn that moving one piece at a time (until we lose it) is NEVER a good idea. We learn that "develop, develop, develop" is the key to the Opening! IM Rensch also gives an example of what a "dream" position for your pieces might be after completing development.

Rules to the Opening 2: After quickly reviewing why we shouldn't move a piece twice before getting "all of our guys into the game", Danny moves right into talking about one of the most common mistakes made by beginners in the Opening: Bringing the Queen out too early. Danny gives a couple great examples of why we shouldn't use the "Big Moma" too early, and some practical advice to go with it.

Rules to the Opening 3: Now that you know to "develop, develop, develop" it is time to learn "where and why" you should develop you pieces. The answer? The center of the board of course! 

Rules to the Opening 4: With "developing your pieces" no longer being an issue (nor do you need Danny to remind you anymore, being the experienced player you are now ) it is time to talk about two advanced principles: 1 -- Developing EVERY move with a purpose (The Ruy Lopez used here as a great example) and 2-- Thinking about the "Pawn Structure", as it applies to where you put your pieces and how you transition into finding a Middlegame plan!

And here are the two articles that go with them:

Danny's Top 10: The Opening 1: The first article essentially backs up the ideas taught in the first two videos: Develop, develop, develop, don't move a piece twice, get castled, and have fun!

Danny's Top 10: The Opening 2: While the second article starts to instruct on the more advanced principles given in the last two videos (3 and 4): Developing toward the center, always having a "purpose" for your pieces, thinking about the pawns, and oh yeah, having fun!

I would suggest that having gotten this theoretical explanation to how the opening works, the student next move on to the series "How Masters Think: The Opening" to see how these principles work in actual practice.

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