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Opening principles

Centre, development, castling: the three golden rules of every opening.

Beginner · Opening basics · 4 steps. On Chess Castles, Chess Guru reads each step aloud in English, Hindi or Marathi while the moves play on the board, and you can practise any position against the engine.

Step 1

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The position

Every good opening follows three golden rules. One: fight for the centre, the four squares d4, e4, d5 and e5. Two: develop your knights and bishops quickly. Three: castle early to keep your king safe.

Step 2

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The position before the moves

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5

Watch both sides follow the rules: a pawn to the centre, then knights before bishops, each piece moving toward the centre. No piece moves twice, and no time is wasted.

Step 3

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The position before the moves

Moves: 4.O-O

Now castle! The king hides behind its pawns, and the rook comes toward the centre where it can join the game.

Step 4

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The position before the moves

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Qh5 Nc6 3.Bc4 g6 4.Qf3 Nf6 5.Qb3 Qe7 6.Nc3 Nd4

Do not bring the queen out too early. Here White's queen comes out on move two, and Black develops new pieces while chasing it around. Every chase is a free move for Black.

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