Tips and tricks

Here are a few simple pointers to make life a little bit easier for those only just starting out playing chess:

1. Avoid losing pieces

As much as possible try to avoid losing pieces to the opponent while trying to capture his. The more material you have left on the board the more flexibility you are allowed in chosing a tactic toward checkmate.. Here is a reference on how to weigh your decisions:

One Pawn is worth 1 point.
A Knight is worth 3 points.
A Bishop is worth 3 points.
One Rook is worth 5 points.
The Queen is worth 9 points.
The King has infinite value for obvious reasons.

The value of pieces has no actual part in the game's economy. The only purpose of this table is to provide a reference.

Develop your position.

As mentioned above, chess is a game of strategy. Moves must be made following a certain logic and one must always anticipate what one's opponent might do next. One of the so called tennets of the game is the principle according to which, he who can anticipate more moves ahead than his opponent will win. Another good idea is to try and achieve control over the center of the board so as to prevent the opponent from developing his position and to hinder any sort of comfortable movement as much as possible.