OPENING PRINCIPLES
This article describes a number of abstract opening principles which have
ben tried and tested over many games. These principles are mentioned in many
different chess books in one form or another.

Although these principles generally apply to the opening, they can also
apply to other phases of the game.

As with all principles, there will exceptions to when they should be
followed. In some cases principles may even conflict, in these cases you will
have to choose one which has a higher priority.

Both players begin with a weak position. The only pieces that can move are
the knights which only have a quarter of their maximum mobility. Only the
pawns, which are the weakest units, have their full mobility. For this
reason, the pawns do not need to be developed, only the pieces.

Develop the pieces as rapidly   The player who develops faster will tend
as possible                     to gain the iniative.

Do not move a piece twice       Losing time means that player will fall
in the opening                  behind in the race to complete
                                development first. There are so many
                                exceptions to this though, that perhaps
                                `without a good reason' could be added.

Do not make unnecessary pawn    Pawn moves which do not assist development
moves                           lose time.

Do not attack when              An attack with only a few pieces is likely
undeveloped                     to fail against correct defence, although
                                sometimes when an opponent has erred an
                                early attack is justified.

Do not waste time trying        A pawn can be worth several tempi (in theory
to win a pawn in the opening    about 3) and while you are winning material
                                your opponent may gain the iniative. There
                                are many instances though, when material can
                                safely be grabbed in the opening and this
                                can sometimes even gain YOU the iniative.

Do not open the position up     An open position favours the side with more
when you are behind in          pieces in play. The corollary is of course,
development.                    if you ahead in development open the
                                position up (especially lines against the
                                king). If you are behind in development
                                keep the position closed.

Control the centre              Some pieces increase their mobility when
                                they approach the centre. Occupying the
                                centre with pawns can give you an advantage
                                in space. The theoretical advantage of the
                                centre has different schools of thought.

Castle early                    The king can be endangered if the centre is
                                opened up, or if the king is caught there.
                                Also, castling develops a rook.

Develop knights before          The knight's best square is usually bishop
bishops                         3(c3,f3,c6,f6). The bishop's best square
                                depends a lot on the position. To help
                                preserve options, develop the knights.