The need for Chess opening strategies

The need for Chess opening strategies

In the game of chess, one player cannot score a victory over the opponent in a single move.  The minimum number of moves required to say checkmate to an opponent – who does not know how to play chess – would be three or four depending upon the opponent’s skill (!) level.  A series of tactics and strategies need to be deployed before gaining control over the opponent.  Chess opening strategies play a vital role in that these strategies will lay down the platform for the game to proceed further.

The game of chess typically comprises of three distinct stages – the opening, middle game and the end game. In the opening stage, pieces are developed and preliminary steps are taken to launch the attack on the opponent.  In the middle game, which is the most important part of the game, tactics and strategies are employed to take control over the game.  In the endgame, the number of pieces available in the board will be relatively less and it is in this stage that the fate of the game would be normally decided.

The opening stage of the game assumes prime importance in that a series of improperly planned or poorly executed opening moves would lead to surrendering the game to the opponent.  Tactics and strategies need not be employed only in the middle game or end game. Strategies need to be employed even in the opening stage of the game.  A series of well-executed chess opening strategies will make the game more lively and interesting and might result in gaining an upper hand over the opponent.

Before planning to execute a series of chess opening strategies, one should be conversant in the rules of the game, the values of the pieces and the salient features of the individual pieces. One more essential thing that one needs to bear in mind is that one cannot win over the opponent in a single move. That means, one has to make a series of moves before gaining control over the pieces and the opponent.  It is in this context that chess opening strategies gain special importance.

At the beginning, both the players have been provided with equal number of pieces.  As such, there exists equilibrium at the start of the play.  In order to gain an upper hand over the opponent, one needs to put his pieces to effective use.  Effective control over the pieces is of prime importance in chess opening strategies.  The pieces should be so developed such that they control more number of squares or restrict the control of the opponent.  For example, a bishop placed in b2 would have effective control over the diagonal a1-h8.

As it is clear that one cannot claim victory over the opponent in a single move, he or she has to make a series of moves, gain control over the space and then launch an attack over the opponent. Apart from effective control over the pieces, exercising a fair share of control over the central part of the board should also be a part of the chess opening strategies.