Reference
Print this. Glance at it before a game until it's automatic.
| # | Principle | In practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Control the centre | Fight for d4/d5/e4/e5 |
| 2 | Develop with purpose | Knights/bishops out before move 10 |
| 3 | King safety | Castle by move 8–10 |
| 4 | No repeat moves | Don't move one piece twice without a reason |
d4, Nf3, Bf4, e3, Bd3/Be2, Nbd2, O-O, c3
Play this shape against nearly anything. Watch for ...Qb6 → answer Qb3/Qc1.
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5, then ...dxe4 or ...Bf5, develop, castle
Get the light bishop out before ...e6. Solid, low-theory.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tempo | A "move's worth" of time; wasting tempi lets your opponent develop faster |
| Setup-based opening | Same piece arrangement regardless of opponent's replies — low memorisation |
| Development | Moving pieces from starting squares to active squares |