What is your Elo?

It was 2am and this position smelt of tactics. I was proud of what I found what would you play?

A good opening won’t win you the game — but a bad one can lose it fast. Here are 5 simple rules to build strong positions from move one: ✅ 1. Control the Center The center (e4, d4, e5, d5) is where everything happens. Control it, and you control the board. → Start with 1.e4 or 1.d4. → As Black, meet it with 1...e5 or 1...d5. → Avoid random pawn moves — claim space and develop quickly. ✅ 2. Develop Minor Pieces Early Knights and bishops go first. Leave the queen and rooks for later. → Don’t move the same piece twice in the opening. → Start developing on the side where you plan to castle. ✅ 3. Castle Early Don’t leave your king in the center too long. → Castle as soon as your knight + bishop are out. → Keep your pawn shield (f2/f7) safe. → Don’t delay — or you might lose the right to castle altogether. ✅ 4. Watch Your Opponent Before every move, ask: → What did they just do? → Is there a threat? → Is a piece hanging? Use the CCA Rule: Checks, Captures, Attacks. ✅ 5. Knights Love the Center "A knight on the rim is grim." → Develop to c3/f3 (or c6/f6). → In the center, knights control 8 squares. On the edge? Just 4 or 2. That’s a huge drop in power. 💬 That’s Part 1 — five key opening rules every chess lover should live by. 👍 Like or save this post if you’ve broken at least one of these rules before (we all have 😉). 📌 Stay tuned for Part 2 with five more tips!