Continuing on from the last post, here are some more pointers on how to use your chess set pieces to best advantage in the first moves:
A double move by either of the centre-pawns will have an advantageous effect for the three following reasons:
1. This double step (1 P-K4, or P-Q4) challenges the enemy forces (or chess set pieces) without taking undue risks, as the pawn remains within the line of demarcation (beyond which lies the fifth rank).
2. A central square is occupied and, if on the second move or soon after, the neighbouring pawn also advances to the fourth, we see the centre occupied!
3. A double step on the first move by the central pawn provides a free field for yet another piece, the other Bishop, as soon as the other centre-pawn shall have moved.
If we have to choose between the two opening moves: 1 P-K4, and 1 P-Q4, we must admit that 1 P-K4, is the more straightforward of the two, especially for the following two reasons:
1. As a matter of arithmetic, this move frees four squares for the Queen (namely K2, KB3, KKt4 and KR5), instead of two in the case of the Queen's pawn (namely Q2 and Q3).
2. Positionally, the move accelerates the development of the K side chess set pieces to bring about castling, which is technically more rapid of execution on the K side, as only two pieces have to move (Kt and B) instead of three chess set pieces on the Q side.
On the other hand, 1 P-Q4, can be considered to be more solid, which assertion is based on the fact that at Q4 the pawn is already protected (by the Queen), whereas at K4 the pawn is entirely unprotected, which may become a cause of trouble.
(from A Breviary Of Chess by S. Tartakower 1937)
So no matter where you buy a chess set or you are simply playing with your best chess set at home, taking care with you opening moves can make all the difference.
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