Principles · 2 min read
Develop every piece before you attack
A piece is developed when it has left its starting square and has a job: a diagonal, a file or a central square.
Many failed attacks share one cause: two pieces attacking a position held by four.
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1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.d3 Nf6 5.O-O O-O
Both sides have castled by move five. White has Nf3 and Bc4 out, and d3 frees the other bishop; Black has both knights and a bishop out.
A move order that rarely goes wrong
- Push one or two centre pawns to open lines for the bishops.
- Bring out knights before bishops. Their best squares are easier to see.
- Castle early, usually within the first ten moves.
- Move the queen one square, to d2, e2 or c2, not far up the board.
- Put a rook on the file most likely to open.
Common development mistakes
- Moving the same piece again while the opponent brings out new ones.
- Early wing pawn moves such as h4 or a4 that do nothing for the centre.
- Attacking with fewer pieces than the defence has.
Key takeaways
- A developed piece has a job, not just a new square.
- When unsure, improve your least active piece.
Frequently asked questions
- How many tempi is a pawn worth in the opening?
- An old rule of thumb says about three. That is the logic of most gambits: give a pawn, gain several developing moves, attack before the opponent catches up.
- Which piece should I develop first?
- Usually the kingside knight, which also prepares castling. In general, develop whichever piece your pawn moves have freed.
Practise the related tactics
The ideas behind this
- Fast DevelopmentBring the knights and bishops out early, each one once.
- Development TempoCount each side's developed pieces. The count tells you what to do.
- Not Moving the Same Piece TwiceEach opening move should bring a new piece into play.