Seven Opening Principles Every Beginner Should Know
A practical guide to centre control, development, king safety and avoiding early queen adventures.
Build the position
Control the centre, develop knights and bishops, castle early, and connect your rooks. Try not to move the same piece repeatedly unless a concrete tactic makes it necessary.
Questions before every move
Ask what your opponent threatens, whether your king is safe, and which undeveloped piece can improve. Opening principles are guides—not rules that override calculation.