Training

(Fine) 1. Open with either the e-pawn or the d-pawn.

9. Don’t grab pawns or attack if you haven’t completed development

8. The outside passed pawn is an advantage: in King&Pawns endings it is decisive.

5. Generally move Knights straightaway to f3/c3 or f6/c6

(Hort) 7. Do not make aimless moves. Each move must be part of a definite plan.

(Fine) 8. Play to get control of the centre.

(Lasker) 3. Bring out your knights before developing your bishops, especially the Queen’s Bishop.

* Ignore your opponent’s time pressure. Take your own time to find the best moves as you normally would. Don’t try and rush your opponent – they are probably more used to playing quickly than you are and may outplay you, or set you a trap!

12. The knight is superior to the bishop in blocked positions or when the bishop is hemmed in by pawns on the same colour squares as the bishop.

* Danger signs – General things to watch out for: