C H E S S         R U L E S

Opening & Middlegame

Every move:

• Rule 1 - Answer opponents threat (of the piece that just moved).
• Rule 1 - Answer opponents threat. (This rule is so important I put it twice.)
• Rule 1-b - Answer the threat of any pieces BEHIND the piece that just moved.

• Rule 2 - Re-capture material when opponent captures.
• Rule 3 - Capture/Trade "pieces" if opponent offers trade.
• Rule 4 - Play with your pieces, not with your pawns.

Opening rules:

1. Develop towards the 4 center squares (e4,e5,d4,d5).
2. Open either 1.e4 (P-K4) or 1.d4 (P-Q4).
3. Castle early.
4. Don't start attacking until development is finished.
5. Development is finished when the Rooks are connected.
6. Do not start attacking until Rooks are connected on back rank.

Do not make weakening pawn moves. (Only 2 are really needed!)

Remember, since you should be following these rules, your opponent should be also.
Try to prevent opponent from achieving them.

Middlegame Rules:

1. Ruin your opponents pawn structure.
• Double pawns.
• Isolate pawns.
2. Don't make weakening pawn moves.
3. Trade off evenly when up material.
4. Release all pins immediately.

Middlegame Rules for Rooks:

1. Put Rooks on open or semi-open files.
2. Double Rooks on open or semi-open file.
3. Put a Rook on the 7th rank.
4. Double Rooks on the 7th rank.

Every Move (Do the following):

Opponent moves: What does it do? What does it protect/unprotect?

Evaluate the imbalances between minor pieces

Evaluate the pawn structure (especially if it was a pawn move)

Determine Space Advantage if any

Determine Material imbalance if any

Determine useful files, diagonals and outposts/squares

Determine development needs

Evaluate threats you can make and if you can grab the initiative