Guide to Chess 960 - Part 1: Opening Principles
Chess 960 is a chess variant that has all of the same rules as standard chess. The only difference is that the starting position of the pieces is mostly randomized (but mirrored), on both sides. I say mostly randomized because both sides will always start the game with a Bishop on each color and the King will always be between the Rooks to enable castling on both sides. It's called Chess 960 because there are 960 possible starting positions.
I've been playing Chess 960 for several years and in that time I've gained a lot of experience in this variant. I've even been as high as #15 on the Daily 960 leaderboard. So I have decided to share some of my knowledge and experience by putting together a guide. I will start by explaining the basics.
This is the most important rule to follow if you want to be a good 960 player but it's surprising how many players neglect basic opening principles in 960. Don't be one of them! Just like in standard chess, you want to mainly focus on controlling the 16 central squares by placing your pawns and developing your pieces to influence these squares. Your goal in the opening should be to activate your pieces as efficiently and as effectively as possible while at the same time controlling the center with your pawns and making sure that your King is safe.
I have listed some basic opening principles below. You can apply most of these principles in standard chess as well. Let me know if I missed any.
- Control the center with your pawns. It's almost always a good idea to put 2 pawns in the center when given the chance and you should definitely consider putting 3 pawns in the center if your pieces are well-positioned to support your pawns. I generally don't recommended putting 4 pawns in the center early on though. In the opening try to mainly focus on moving the pawns that open lines for your pieces.
In the above diagram White has done well to control the center with their pawns, Black has not.
- If your opponent puts 2 pawns in the center, (also known as a pawn duo), then break it up as soon as possible with one of your pawns.
- Develop your pieces to active squares where they will influence the center.
- Develop your Knights behind pawns, particularly central pawns (c, d, e and f pawns). You generally want to avoid blocking your central pawns because you often want to use your central pawns to fight for control of the center. Also, Knights work well behind pawns because the pawn and Knight will coordinate to control the same squares and if the Knight ever moves forward it will have the support of the pawn. You shouldn't always develop your Knights behind pawns but try to do so whenever it's convenient.
- Get your Knights out of the corner. Knights are very badly placed in the corner because that's where they have the least mobility. So if a Knight starts in a corner it should generally be one of the first pieces you develop.
- Bishops don't always need to move to be considered developed. Sometimes moving a pawn forward is all it takes to activate a Bishop. Bishops are long range pieces that have the potential to influence the position from their starting squares. It may be necessary to move your Bishops to get castled or to connect your Rooks but if that's not the case then it's often acceptable to leave your Bishops on the back rank, at least in the opening stage of the game.
In the position above all of the Bishops started in a corner so both players simply moved their b and g pawns forward to activate theses pieces. The Bishops themselves don't need to move at all.
- Decrease the activity/mobility of your opponent's pieces. If your opponent has a very active piece then try to either trade one of your pieces for it or restrict it with one or more of your pawns.
- Don't bring your Queen out early unless you have a good reason. Your Queen will just get attacked by your opponent's pawns and minor pieces. You also run the risk of getting your Queen trapped.
- Don't move the same piece multiple times in the opening unless you have a good reason. You should give priority to your least active pieces before attempting to improve an already developed piece.
- Make use of a pawn break as soon as possible. In simple terms, a pawn break is when you offer to exchange one of your pawns for one of your opponent's pawns. Pawn breaks can help you do many things. Some of these things include opening lines for your pieces, gaining control of the position, and putting pressure on your opponent's position.
- Connect your Rooks when possible.
- Don't rush. Slowly improve your position. Be patient.
- And most importantly, make sure that your King is safe. Don't unnecessarily open lines towards your King unless you are very sure that your opponent can't take advantage. Castle when necessary.
Castling in 960 can seem complicated if it's new to you but once you know how it's done it's very simple. All of the standard castling rules still apply. Just remember that when you castle in 960 your King and Rook will ALWAYS end up on the standard castling squares, regardless of the initial starting position of the pieces.
For example, if you are playing as White and you castle 0-0 then your King will always end up on g1 and your Rook will always end up on f1, the same squares as in standard chess. To castle in 960 (assuming it's a legal move), simply drop your King on top of your Rook. Moving your King over 2 squares like in standard chess won't work.
Here's a visual example.
This should be enough to help you get started! Try out some 960 games and let me know how it goes!
Here are the links to the rest of the guide:
For more information on what to do in a chess opening I highly recommend watching this video:
What to do in a chess opening? - ChessNetwork
