-- NIMZOVITCH
- Development is to be understood as the strategic advance of the troops toward the frontier line (the line between the fourth and fifth ranks).
- A pawn move must not in itself be regarded as a devloping move, but merely as an aid to development.
- To be ahead in development is the ideal to be aimed for.
- Exchange with resulting gain of tempo.
- Liquidation, with consequent development or disembarrassment.
- The pawn centre must be mobile.
- There is no time for pawn hunting in the opening, except for centre pawns.
-- SUETIN
- The fight for control of the centre
- The striving for the quickest and most active development.
- The creation of conditions that permit early castling.
- The formation of an advantageous pawn structure
"
This last point is worth particular attention, for, although it contains much wisdom, it is not always applied in current tournament practice. Unfortunately, we belong to a time when White usually tries to gain only a minimal advantage, because to try for more entails the taking of risks. Black, having no sure method of developing counterplay without risk, usually tries to minimise White's attacking possibilities. The game thus proceeds towards an endgame in which neither side has real winning chances."- Take advantage of every tempo.
- Do not make pawn moves without careful planning.
- Begin the game with a centre pawn, and develop the minor pieces so that they influence the centre.
- Develop flexibly!
- Develop harmoniously! Play with all your pieces
- Do not make aimless moves. Each move must be part of a definite plan.
- Do not be eager for material gain. The fight for time is much more important than the fight for material, especially in open positions.
- A weakening of your own pawns may be accepted only if it is compensated by a more active placement of your pieces.
- With the help of your pawns, try to get an advantage in space and weaken your opponent's pawn position.
- Do not obstruct your pawns by grouping your pieces directly in front of them; pawns and pieces must work together.
- During the first few moves, pay special attention to the vulnerable KB2 square on both sides.
- Remember that the poor placement of even a single piece may destroy the coordination of the other pieces.
- With White, exploit the advantage of having the first move and try to gain the initiative. With Black, try to organize counterplay.
-- VLASTIMIL HORT
"Your only task in the opening is to reach a playable middlegame."(LP goes on to discuss the Exchange Ruy Lopez, the Modern Steinitz (as Black), slow lines of the French Winawer, the Classical Pirc, the Closed Sicilian and the King's Indian Attack against the French (and Sicilian; and on the other side of the board the Exchange Queen's Gambit and lines of the King's Indian Defence and Nimzo-Indian)"...To all players I can recommend the following: simplicity and economy. These are the characteristics of the opening systems of many great masters... A solid opening repertoire fosters self-confidence." -- LAJOS PORTISCH
This document (10openrules.html) was last modified on 5 Feb 97 by
Dr. Dave [10open.htm]