Chess Tip Of The Day

This type of position (a symmetrical pawn-structure) has a psychological aspect. Its apparent harmlessness sometimes causes the opponent to relax prematurely, or, conversely, annoys the opponent and affects his judgment. Boris Zlotnik, Zlotnik's Middlegame Manual

In many instances two knights battle against two bishops better than do a bishop and knight, by occupying strong points created in the opening up of the position. Mikhail Shereshevsky, Endgame Strategy

Good moves usually have at least two ideas. Lev Psakhis, quoted in Chess For Zebras

One of the most important strategic principles in the ending is the centralisation of the king. Luděk Pachman, Complete Chess Strategy 3: Play On The Wings

Early queen sorties like this (1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Bc4 Qh4?!) are always doubtful, even if they win a pawn. Not only because the opponent can develop with tempo by attacking the queen, but also because its possible rambling can even lead to its getting trapped. András Mészáros, Traps In The Opening

There is a number of opening formations in which one side has a mobile central pawn, eg on e4/e5 or d4/d5, while the other has an extra pawn on the flank. The side with the central pawn strives to organise an advance in the centre, supported by the pawns on neighbouring files, usually the c or f pawn. The opponent attempts to restrict the mobility of the central pawn. Simplification is generally in favour of the player without the central pawn, since he can then exploit his wing majority. Alexey Suetin, Modern Chess Opening Theory