CHESS TIPS

Every move should have a purpose.

Thus, DO NOT give needless checks - only put your opponent in check when appropriate.

In The opening try and develop a new piece each move.

Thus, DO NOT move a piece twice in the opening without good reason.

Exchanging Pieces usually favors the person who has the material edge.

Queens belong in front of Bishops and behind Rooks during an attack.

When Attacking - do not rely on just one or two pieces.

Bishop or Knight:
Remember the value of the Bishop increases as the board becomes more open.

Tips from Adam Safir:

Opening:
Never ignore a problem. It will only come back to haunt you (usually when you're dealing with two or three new problems!).

Middle Game:
Always look to trade your bishop for your opponent's knight. The knight has more maneurverability in the end game, whereas the bishop is limited to half the board.

End Game:
Settle down. Focus. If your chances of passing the pawn are not great, keep an eye out for the tie. Half a point is better than no points.

Tips from Hanny Januarius:

Defense:
If the opponent has a passed pawn, it should be blockaded. The best blockader is the knight. The pawn is a useful shield against frontal attack on the knight and a knight can counterattack around the pawn.

Mating:
A mating attack often requires some unbalancing of the forces. That leaves the attacker's center undefended and vulnerable to a smashing counterattack.

Bishop or knight:
It depends on the situation. If your pieces are mostly on black squares then dump the white bishop.

Finally, try to make all the pieces defend each other.

Tips from Edward Lasker: (The author of "Chess Stategy", the book that has taught generations of chess players)

The Opening:
Rapid development of pieces where the goal is to gain a material edge and establish better mobility.

Middle Game:
If you have a material edge, try to exchange equal pieces, likewise avoid exchanges when behind.

End Game:
During the end game the King can safely venture out and should take an active role in providing the player with the material or positional edge the victory.

Other Good Sites For Getting Chess Tips:

101 Chess Tips

Chess Tips - Written by Fide Master and former Australian Postal champion Bill Jordan.

Stuart the Maniac's Chess System

Chess Tips - by International Grandmaster Arthur Bisguier

Return to Timothy Triplett's Home Page

Return to Chess at the Urban Institute

CHESS TIPS

Every move should have a purpose.

Thus, DO NOT give needless checks - only put your opponent in check when appropriate.

In The opening try and develop a new piece each move.

Thus, DO NOT move a piece twice in the opening without good reason.

Exchanging Pieces usually favors the person who has the material edge.

Queens belong in front of Bishops and behind Rooks during an attack.

When Attacking - do not rely on just one or two pieces.

Bishop or Knight: Remember the value of the Bishop increases as the board becomes more open.

Tips from Adam Safir:

Opening: Never ignore a problem. It will only come back to haunt you (usually when you're dealing with two or three new problems!).

Middle Game: Always look to trade your bishop for your opponent's knight. The knight has more maneurverability in the end game, whereas the bishop is limited to half the board.

End Game: Settle down. Focus. If your chances of passing the pawn are not great, keep an eye out for the tie. Half a point is better than no points.

Tips from Hanny Januarius:

Defense: If the opponent has a passed pawn, it should be blockaded. The best blockader is the knight. The pawn is a useful shield against frontal attack on the knight and a knight can counterattack around the pawn.

Mating: A mating attack often requires some unbalancing of the forces. That leaves the attacker's center undefended and vulnerable to a smashing counterattack.

Bishop or knight: It depends on the situation. If your pieces are mostly on black squares then dump the white bishop.

Finally, try to make all the pieces defend each other.

Tips from Edward Lasker: (The author of "Chess Stategy", the book that has taught generations of chess players)

The Opening: Rapid development of pieces where the goal is to gain a material edge and establish better mobility.

Middle Game: If you have a material edge, try to exchange equal pieces, likewise avoid exchanges when behind.

End Game: During the end game the King can safely venture out and should take an active role in providing the player with the material or positional edge the victory.

Other Good Sites For Getting Chess Tips:

Return to Timothy Triplett's Home Page

Return to Chess at the Urban Institute

Bishop or Knight:
Remember the value of the Bishop increases as the board becomes more open.

Opening:
Never ignore a problem. It will only come back to haunt you (usually when you're dealing with two or three new problems!).

Middle Game:
Always look to trade your bishop for your opponent's knight. The knight has more maneurverability in the end game, whereas the bishop is limited to half the board.

End Game:
Settle down. Focus. If your chances of passing the pawn are not great, keep an eye out for the tie. Half a point is better than no points.

Defense:
If the opponent has a passed pawn, it should be blockaded. The best blockader is the knight. The pawn is a useful shield against frontal attack on the knight and a knight can counterattack around the pawn.

Mating:
A mating attack often requires some unbalancing of the forces. That leaves the attacker's center undefended and vulnerable to a smashing counterattack.

Bishop or knight:
It depends on the situation. If your pieces are mostly on black squares then dump the white bishop.

The Opening:
Rapid development of pieces where the goal is to gain a material edge and establish better mobility.

Middle Game:
If you have a material edge, try to exchange equal pieces, likewise avoid exchanges when behind.

End Game:
During the end game the King can safely venture out and should take an active role in providing the player with the material or positional edge the victory.