How to Perform the King's Pawn Opening in Chess

The Classic King's Pawn Opening is a superior opening that allows you to open up more move and attack options. It's purpose is to control the center of the board while giving yourself a proper defense to conserve your pieces throughout the middle game. It's a move exalted by experienced players and a good one to learn and master if you're just starting out.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start by moving the D and E pawns forward two spaces where they will protect from their positions in D4 and E4. Both bishops should be brought out in sequential moves to each side of the pawns in C4 and F4.

2. Move each knight to C3 and F3 while watching for attacks. You may have to pause your planned moves to move pawns into protective defense positions.

3. Castle the king and rook on either side of the board at the earliest time you can. To do this you'll move the king two squares over and place the closest rook on the other side of the king. Make sure not to move your rook before you want to castle or you will sacrifice your right to it.

4. Place the queen in E2 or D2 and then move the other rook over to D1 or E1 depending on which rook wasn't castled.

5. Watch for an attack on the pawns, rooks and knights during the procession of the moves. Even if you have to trade piece for piece a couple of times before the castling you will still control the center board and your opponent will have spent his moves attacking rather than building position.