Exercise 11.1Question
White to move
White to move. Which plan suits the position?
11
Your First Openings · Kapilash Chess Academy
From Opening to Middlegame
What to do after move ten
In this lesson you will learn
- How to know the opening is over
- Finding a plan from the pawn structure
- Improving the worst piece
- Typical plans in the Italian Game
Every board on this page is live. Move the pieces by tapping or dragging, click any move in the lines to see that position, and press ↺ to start again.
11.1 The Opening Is Over When…
…your pieces are developed, your king is castled and your rooks are connected. Then you need a plan. Look at the pawns: a pawn break (a pawn move that attacks enemy pawns, like d4 or f4) shows where to play. If there is nothing to do, improve your worst piece.
Diagram 11.1Black to move
A plan in the Italian
Both sides have finished development. White’s knight on d2 will go to f1 and g3 to support a kingside attack; Black wants to exchange White’s strong bishop.
Black exchanges White’s best piece, the bishop on b3. White continues with ♘g3 and a plan of d4 or a kingside attack. Simple, logical moves.
Remember
- The opening is over when the rooks are connected.
- Pawn breaks show where to play.
- If you have no plan, improve your worst piece.
- Exchange your opponent’s best piece.
Exercises · Lesson 11
Every exercise has been checked with a chess engine. Find the best move or choose the right answer.
Exercise 11.2Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 11.3Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 11.4Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 11.5Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 11.6Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 11.7Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 11.8Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.