Before your child memorises a single opening line, there are three principles that will make every opening they ever play stronger. These principles have been taught for centuries, and they work — not because chess masters say so, but because they follow directly from the logic of the game.
Rule 1: Control the Centre
The four central squares — e4, d4, e5, d5 — are the most important squares on the board. Pieces placed in or near the centre have more mobility, more attacking options, and more defensive coverage than pieces placed on the edge.
A knight on e4 attacks eight squares. A knight on a1 attacks two. This is why the very first move of a chess game matters so much: moving a pawn to e4 or d4 immediately contests the centre and opens lines for your pieces to develop.
Rule 2: Develop Your Pieces
Development means moving your pieces from their starting squares to active positions where they contribute to the game. A piece still on its starting square in move 10 is a wasted resource — like having a player sitting on the bench during a crucial match.
The practical rules of development are simple: move each piece once before moving any piece twice. Prioritise knights and bishops — they are your most mobile pieces in the early game and should be out by move 4 or 5.
Rule 3: Castle Early
Castling is the most important defensive move in chess. It simultaneously tucks your king away from the dangerous central files and connects your rooks. A king still sitting in the centre at move 15 is almost always in danger.
The rule of thumb: castle within the first 10 moves. Both kingside and queenside castling are fine — the choice depends on where your pieces are developed. But do it early, and do it before launching any major attack.