Some thoughts on opening principles

The opening is the first stage of the chess game. It includes that part of the game where opponents develop their pieces, minor ones first. There is no clear moment or move number signifying the end opening and the arrival of the middlegame. Sometimes the opening transitions directly to the ending as early as move 10. Sometimes the opening ends after move 25. Regardless, an opening repetoire is necessary. For the top GMs there is an enormous number of variations to master. Club level players can know less because the final result in their games is less likely to hinge on opening preparation.

The theory of opening variations is always increasing. Thousands of variations are being improved and assessments changed every day. To remember everything is possible only for the computer. A human can remember just a few drops of this great ocean of data. But what happens when your opponent plays some unknown variant or novelty? In this case you should invent your own theory, based on chess opening principles.

Here they are:

• The fast development of pieces is the basis of success in the opening.
• Try to get the control of the central squares by your pieces and pawns. The center is the most important part of the board. From here you can easily bring your pieces to either side.
• Don't move any one piece twice in the opening if you are not forced to. This time can be better spent for rationally developing other pieces.
• Develope your minor pieces first. Do not bring your queen and rooks forward in the opening. There they can be attacked by the opponent's pieces and you'll have to waste time retreating.
• Think of the safety of your king. Do not weaken the pawn cover near the king unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not move rook pawns without necessity. Instead develope your pieces.
• If you need to choose what pieces to exchange use the following criteria: If the center is closed and pawn chains exist, exchange your bishops and save your knights. If the center is open and there are many open lines and diagonals exchange your knights and save your bishops. The explanation is easy: bishops are stronger when they are able to exert pressure from a distance over open diagonals and knights are more fit for manuvering in closed positions.
• When deciding whether or not open the center, consider these factors: if you have bishops and your opponent has knights your task is to open the position (sometime even by means of a sacrifice). If you have knights and your opponent has bishops, close the center in order to restrict the opponent's bishops.
• If there are any open files on the board, try to place your rooks on them.
• Do not throw pieces into a flank attack if the center is not stable. Such an unprepared attack will be punished by decisive counterplay in the center. A flank attack can be successful if the center is under your complete control or closed.

Of course all these rules have exceptions. But mostly using them you can avoid opening problems and transfer to the middlegame without a serious disadvantage.