The first 10 to 15 moves in a chess match are said to constitute the 'opening' phase of the game. Next comes the 'middle game' and eventually the 'endgame', when only a few pieces are left on the board. Of course a game may end prematurely, for example due to a major blunder in the opening game.
All three chess game phases have special characteristics regarding the way the chess player is thinking and making their moves.
In the opening the major aim is to successfully develop one's forces in order to be ready for the middle game battle. To accomplish this, simple, yet important, guidelines have to be followed along with common-sense analysis.
These general principles will be provided in a descending order of importance, along with some short explanations to make them easy to follow.
1.Development. This is the most basic principle that applies to the opening game. A piece is 'developed' when it is moved from its initial position to another. As a result, its mobility is increased, as does the number of squares it now controls. It may threaten some enemy piece as well, which puts some pressure on the opponent. Before any plan can be put to work the 'development' has to be completed. Failure to complete the development will almost certainly lead to a passive position with bad prospects.
2.Control of the center. This is also very important, since most tactical battles take place in the center. A centralized piece is definitely very well placed for it controls many squares and can exert great pressure. Pawn moves usually help control the center. This is why central pawn moves are preferred to side pawn moves. Control of the center may also be assisted by normal piece development. For example, developing the Kg1 to f3 gives control to the central squares d4 and e5.
3.King safety. Castling should seldom be postponed. Castling increases the king's safety and also helps the rook develop. There are rare cases in which one should consider to not castle at all. Short castling is normally mush safer. Failure to castle may give the opponent an opportunity to attack the king directly or indirectly; in each case defensive problems arise.
