Chess Tip Of The Day

There's a lot to be said for tackling the opening by playing the moves you believe to be the best. John Cox, Starting Out: Alekhine's Defence

The most far-reaching development decision in any opening is the placement of the bishops. Matthew Sadler, Queen's Gambit Declined

In 1.e4 e5 openings, if you are forced to play the retreat ...Nf6-g8 early on in the game, it usually means that something has gone wrong. John Emms, Starting Out: The Scotch Game

Black reveals something about himself when he answers 1.e4 with a move other than 1...e5 or 1...c5. An Alekhine's specialist, for example, almost certainly likes positional imbalances and quick counterplay. He may have a problem with 1.e4 Nf6 2.Nc3!? because the Vienna Game (2...e5) is not likely to give him what he wants. Andrew Soltis, Transpo Tricks In Chess

In the modern game there is a tendency for players to worry less about structural weaknesses in their positions if they can obtain compensation in terms of active piece-play, control of the centre, etc. Peter Griffiths, Exploring The Endgame

The queen is often treated with slightly too much respect at lower levels. It is an important piece, but stronger players are often happy to sacrifice it. Richard Palliser, Starting Out: Closed Sicilian