In the opening, move a centre pawn, bring out the knights and bishops, and castle early. Avoid moving the same piece twice and bringing the queen out too soon. The Italian Game begins 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 and aims the bishop at the weak f7 square. The Queen’s Gambit begins 1.d4 d5 2.c4 and offers a pawn for control of the centre. Against 1.e4, the Sicilian Defence with 1…c5 leads to sharp, unbalanced positions. Learn the ideas behind each move rather than memorising long lines.
