The End of an Opening Line

The opening part of the game, if played "by the book", will eventually lead to the middlegame. Personally, I still feel kind of lost when I reach this part of the game. Usually, this is the part where the board is still pretty much filled up and cramped. Since opening theory was followed, each piece and position is usually poised to exploit any weakness in the other side. And for a beginner, the myriad of potential moves can really paralyze. A few basic things has helped me in this stage of the game:

1. The middlegame should reflect the intention of the opening. If the opening moves cleared the board to prepare for an all-out attack, then by all means one should aim to penetrate the defenses of the other side. On the other hand, if it's a positional type of play, then one should keep to the spirit of the opening, and aim for moves that bolster one's position. This somehow highlights how important it is to understand the differences between various types of openings.

2. The middlegame is predominantly tactics. In addition to a good pair of eyes, an appreciation of various tactical moves would be necessary to fare well. Knowing tactics is a double-edged sword: it allows you to plan in coming up with some of your own combinations, as well as foresee what your opponent is trying to do. There are a couple of good chess resources on tactics, both on the Net (as interactive materials or articles), as well as in print.

3. Take your time. Especially if you are playing correspondence chess, do not hurry in making your moves. Check to see what each of your opponent's pieces are capable of doing, separately or in tandem. Do the same for your own pieces.

4. Have a clear purpose for deciding on a move. Each move should bolster your position or weaken your opponent's or both. It may not necessarily be achievable in one or two moves, as tactics would usually involve combinations, gambits, forks, and others that would normally be achieved after a series of moves intended to bring your opponent to your desired outcome position of the pieces.

5. On the other hand, try not to be too cautious. Chess is a game of experience. Most of the time, you only understand the impact of a move after your opponent has made his response. All of us are bound to lose at one point or another. The important thing is that you develop a habit of understanding the implications of your next move, minimize blunders and learn from your mistakes.

If you have reached a point where you have at least maintained equality with your opponent up to the middlegame and have not seriously blundered at the opening, then you may consider yourself to have progressed considerably. Realize that you indeed have a fighting chance now! After all, the game is to the one who believes it has already been won.

Good game!