♚♛♜♝♞♟ ¶

• checks (checks against me?)
• captures (hanging)
  • trade (values)
    • when you have more pieces, trade equal
    • when behind, trade better
• attacks (forks, center, outposts, hanging?)

• if I have the initiative, how can I add more pressure?

• openings

  • try to control center 4
  • don’t block your own knights, bishops & Queen
  • don’t waste moves (move same piece twice, most likely another piece is much better!)

• get something in the center of the board

  • openings usually go for this (moving center pawns)

• move knights up early

  • they are efficient up close due to short range
  • can usually move up “with ease”

• castling is strong!!

  • you get to move 2 pieces in 1 move!
  • yeah the move is constrained, but it’s most often aligned with your interests!
  • free up the rook & protect the king! win-win!
  • it’s kinda like an achievement bonus for “setting up” correctly (after pawns, rooks, and bishops flock to the center)

• knights

  • look for royal forks! (guaranteed queen captures)
  • worth more than bishops in closed games