According to modern chess theory, there are two main schools of thought on how to approach a game of chess, the Classical and the Hyper-modern. The only distinction relevant for the purposes of this lesson, is that the Classical school is concerned with a direct attack and direct occupation of the central squares (Diagram A), and the Hyper-modern school, on indirect control and undermining of the opponent’s established center.

Diagram A

This discussion will only concern the opening strategy associated with the Classical school, therefore, only pawn and developing moves that directly affect the four central squares will be considered relevant. Let us then begin by examining the first principle of Classical opening strategy:

Direct Occupation of the Center with Pawns

In the following diagram, both white and black have played their king pawns forward two squares to create an immovable structure known as the ram.

Diagram B

Both player’s pawns attack squares in the enemy camp and at the same time open lines for their king’s-bishop. The fact that neither pawn can advance prevents each player from moving their pawn a further square and gaining an advantage in space. From here we move to the second principle of the Classical school:

Development of the Pieces Toward the Central Squares

Here the typical rule is to develop your knights before your bishops. Of course, this rule can be broken, but the rational behind this rule is logical. As the bishops cannot change color, whichever squares the pawns sit on will influence the bishops mobility and influence. It is prudent and flexible not to commit your bishops to a square or diagonal that can become shut off from the action. This brings us to our next diagram.

Diagram C

The white knight has moved to f3, where it threatened the undefended pawn on e5. Black responded with an active, developing move, …Nc6. Notice how both knights attack and defend the dark-squares in the center. This is a direct struggle for central domination, and it is the key feature of Classical chess.

Let’s continue to the next diagram to see how both players should continue developing their pieces.

Diagram D

Both players have continued to develop their pieces to influence the center. White’s bishop posts itself aggressively on the diagonal leading to f7, and at the same time seeks to control the very important square d5. Black does the same against f2 and controls d4. Now we come to an important stage in the game of chess. It is an idea which is critical for success in 99.99% of chess games.

Castle the King to Safeguard the Monarch

King safety is the key to the game. If you win the opponents queen, but are checkmated on the next move, you lose! This is why the operation of castling is considered critical to winning a chess game. Let’s look at the final diagram and not only will we see the king tucked safely behind a wall of pawns with a vigilant knight guarding the wall, but we will also notice something else.

Diagram E

If you also noticed that the white king’s rook is able, on it’s next move, to move to e1 and influence the center, congratulations! Moving the rooks to the center and aiming them down the center files is the last principle of Classical opening strategy.

This can be a rather intricate and subtle maneuver, so I will leave off by stating that the ultimate goal of the opening is to complete development so all of your pieces are in play. As General Patton once remarked, “An army is a team.” Your army works best when fully deployed and coordinated.