There are many different strategies in the opening to begin a chess game. Usually, the objective of the opening are to control the four center squares, which are the D4, D5, E4, E5 squares, and to establish a good position leading into the middle game. Here, the pawns are the most effective, because they are not hindered by anything, while every other piece, with the exception of the knight, is obstructed. Usually, the order of development is: pawns, knights, bishops, and finally the rooks and queens. The order can vary, and often times does. The reason that the queen and rooks should not be developed first is because they can be easily chased away by the the weaker pieces (pawns, knights, bishops). Therefore, a few moves are wasted on this chase, while the opponent can continue to develop his pieces and establish a strong position. Usually, a player does not move a piece twice in the opening, since it slows down the tempo and gives time to the opponent to develop. White usually have a slight advantage in the opening because it moves first and somewhat limits black's choice of openings. Nevertheless, if black plays correctly, he will be able to even out the playing field in the middle game.

Sample opening:

The Stonewall Attack
1. d4 d5 2. e3 c5 3. g5 e5 4. qe2 nf6 5. bd3 e6 6. qe2 ng4 7. nc3 bb4 8. 0-0 e5
White now threatens e4!, a good push to gain control of the center. Notice how many pieces are guarding e4 (White: 3 vs. Black: 1)

Next page: The Middle Game
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