Chess tips

Here are a list of tips, that will benefit both the new and more experienced players.

Checks

The Safety-check If my opponent could move now what are ALL the ways he could hurt me?
The Opportunity Check (when on move also) what are ALL the ways I might threaten or hurt him?

The following are taken from the book Ideas Behind the Chess Openings by Ruben Fine.

Open with either the e-pawn or the d-pawn.
Whenever possible, make a good developing move that threatens something.
Develop Knights before Bishops.
Pick the most suitable square for a piece and develop it there once and for all.
Make one or two pawn moves in the opening, not more.
Do not bring your Queen out early.
Casle as soon as possible, preferably on the King's side.
Play to get control of the centre.
Always try to maintain at least one pawn in the centre.
Do not sacrifice without a clear and adequate reason. We can further specify that for the offer of a pawn, there must be one of four reasons:
- Secure a tangible advantage in development
- Deflect the enemy Queen.
- Secure a tangible advantage in development.
- Prevent the enemy from castling either permanently or for several moves.

Win lots of material" - Needs modification of course .

Checkmate your opponent!" - Needs modification of course .