| Chess is all about strategy and tactics. Each chess | | | | 5. Keep your king safe at all times. The object of the |
| player commands an army of 16. In beginning players | | | | game is to capture the king. Your opponent is seeking |
| bring out their forces to prepare for combat. Players | | | | to hunt down and capture your king. Make sure you |
| maneuver to carry out attacks and counterattacks. At | | | | have a plan to protect your king. |
| the end of the game there are fewer pawns and | | | | 6. Always make the best possible move. You should |
| pieces left on the board. This is when it's safe for the | | | | ask yourself some questions before making a move. |
| king to come out and take part in the battle. Here are | | | | Will this move improve my position by increasing the |
| some tips to improve your chess game. | | | | effectiveness of my piece? Does this move help to |
| 1. Planning. Is important that you plan your attack. Your | | | | defend against my opponents threats? |
| opponent will have an easy time defending themselves | | | | 7. If it is pawn, consider how you can keep it protected |
| if you attack here in one move and do something | | | | from attack. |
| totally different in the next. All the pieces must work | | | | 8. If it is another piece that you're moving consider |
| together to be effective. Think of your chess men as | | | | whether the enemy can drive it away. |
| a team and you are the coach. They must work | | | | 9. The alert. Once you've reached a good strong |
| together using their strengths and weaknesses to | | | | position in the game it is important that you do not |
| support each other. | | | | relax. This is a common mistake. You must always be |
| 2. Know the values that you place on your pieces. | | | | watching for your opponents threats. |
| Consider carefully any time that you think about giving | | | | 10. Know when to trade pieces. The best time to trade |
| up one of your pieces to your opponent. | | | | pieces is when you can capture a piece worth more |
| 3. Pay attention to what your opponent is doing. Every | | | | than the one you're giving up. |
| time your opponent moves stop and think about what | | | | 11. Consider the end of the game. Always remember |
| their strategy might be. Are there any threats that you | | | | that every move you make can affect your chances |
| should be on the watch out for? Is one of your men in | | | | in the end game. |
| danger? The only to successfully defend yourself is to | | | | 12. Control the center. The player that controls the four |
| understand what your opponent is doing. | | | | squares in the center of the board will have the |
| 4. Develop quickly and well. Timing is very important in | | | | advantage in the game. |
| chess. If your men are ready for action and to move | | | | If you practice and consider these tips you'll improve |
| quickly you'll be able to control the course of the game. | | | | your chess game. |