strategy and tactics is what the game of chess is all about. An army of 16 chess is commanded by each player. A game of chess has three sates if being played well. In the opening, the players bring out their forces in preparation for combat. The players maneuver for position and carry out attacks and counterattacks in the middlegame. The endgame is when with fewer pawns and pieces left on the board, it is safer for the kings to come out and join the final battle. Here are 10 ways to improve your chess game.

1. Have a Plan.

Your opponent will have an easy time defending themselves if you threaten something here in one move, something over there in the next move and so on. For you to be effective, your pieces must work together. Your men can work in harmony when you develop a plan. The chess men are your ‘team’; to be a good ‘coach,’ you have to use all of their strengths together.

2. Know what the pieces are worth.

You should think about the value of your men when thinking about giving up some of your pieces for some of your opponents. The player whose men add up to a great value will usually have the advantage.

3. Look at your opponent’s move.

You should stop and think every time your opponent makes a move. Ask yourself, why was that move chosen? Is a particular piece in danger? Are there other threats I should watch out for? You will be able to successfully carry out your own strategies by defending against your opponent’s threats.

4. Develop quickly and well.

An important element of chess is time. The player whose men are ready for action more quickly will be able to control the course of the game. You have to develop your men efficiently to powerful posts if you want to be that player.

5. Keep your king safe.

The object of the game is to checkmate the opponent’s king. Sometimes a player forgets that his opponent is also hunting for the king because they are too busy thinking about their own plan.

6. Make the best possible move.

Ask yourself these questions when you are considering a move. Can I improve my position even more by increasing the effectiveness of a different piece? Will the piece I am moving go to a better square than the one it is on now? Does the move help to defend against my opponent’s threats? will the piece I move be safe on its new square?

7. Protect Pawns

If it is a pawn, consider: Can I keep it protected from attack?

##8. Protect others. If it is another piece, consider: Can the enemy drive it away?

9. Always be alert.

Once a player has reached a good position or given up hope if their position is bad there is a tendency for people to relax. If you have a better position, watch out! One careless move could throw away your advantage. You must always watch out for your opponent’s threats.

10. Know when to trade pieces.

The best time to trade men is when you can capture men worth more than the one you will be giving up, which is called ‘winning material’. If your opponent is very careful, that opportunity may not arise.

11. Think about the endgame.

You should remember that every move you make might affect your chances in the endgame. Concentrate on your immediate plans, as well as your opponent’s.

12. Control the center.

The player who controls the four squares at the center of the board will have the better game, in many cases.

Hopefully these tips will help improve your chess game. Go practice - and have some fun!