Chess Tip Of The Day

The Scotch Four Knights is an ideal choice for the improving player, whether playing White or Black. The variations are neither too complex, nor theoretical, both sides develop easily, and the open positions are ideal for honing tactical skills. John Emms, Starting Out: The Scotch Game

Exchange sacrifices on c3 to expose the opponent's king are often very strong in the Sicilian. Do though try to ensure that you have more attacking pieces ready to follow one up than there are defensive pieces of the opponent's. Richard Palliser, Starting Out: Sicilian Najdorf

The same general principles apply to openings and middlegames: the importance of the centre, rapid and efficient piece-development, king safety. Yet in the endgame these factors are only noteworthy by their absence. Edmar Mednis, From The Middlegame Into The Endgame

If you have not enough time on your clock for a full examination (of a position), pick a move that seems to improve your position irrespective of calculation, rather than a "fancy" move which may be good but which would need much calculation to prove it so. Cecil Purdy, Purdy's Fine Art Of Chess Annotation And Other Thoughts - Volume Two

If I repeat an opening variation that my opponent has lost badly against, I'll gain an immediate psychological advantage. He will have to confront not only my moves, but also his painful memories. Ján Markoš, The Secret Ingredient To Winning Chess

When you have a space advantage it is often wise to concentrate on consolidating the space gained before extending it further. Jonathan Rowson, Chess For Zebras