Chess Strategies
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A bishop fianchetto anchors long-range control of the center from the flank, influencing key squares and restraining enemy pawns. This setup supports flexible pawn breaks, harmonizes with knights and rooks, and creates lasting pressure on diagonals. Learn when to adopt a fianchetto, avoid common traps, and convert diagonal dominance into central, kingside, and endgame advantages for long-term strategic gains consistently.
How does the phrase “knights before bishops” fit into our opening principles? Well, it is a fine way to think about step number two. I want students and new players to focus on bringing their pieces into the game, towards the middle of the board, and onto safe spaces. And choosing your knights, before your bishops, can be a valid strategy. Let's look at why.
Every chess player learns their chess pieces' value early. This value system is one of the fundamentals we must know if we are to avoid losing material. When you know that a rook is worth five points and a bishop three points, you won’t exchange a rook for a bishop without considering other factors. The chess pieces’ value is the foundation of our play as beginners. In light of this, getting a firm grasp on the chess pieces’ value is essential. More important is getting a genuine value for the chess pieces. There are times when their value increases and, at other times, diminishes. The knowledge of your chess pieces’ value must get used wisely.
