In chess, the 3 Golden rules of Opening tells you what to do during this phase of the game and the Traffic Rules tells you how to do it safely — without too much damage to material or position.

Traffic rules are there for a reason — to prevent chaos and disorder. But there is another big reason — safety. Irrespective of whether you are a cyclist, pedestrian or a motorist, your safety is prime.

#1 Rule— Pawn Development.

Development of pawns are very important to a chess opening. Done rightly, they can ensure the difference between an eventual win and loss.

We divide pawns into three types

1. Center Pawns — pawns on files c, d & e. (Green)

2. Flank Pawns — pawns on files a, b & g, h (Yellow)

3. Danger F Pawn — pawn on f file. (Red)

( Note : See image on left for the colors )

So here are the traffic rules of pawn development (applies only during the opening phase)

“Never move the Danger F (red) Pawn.”

“Move the flank (yellow) pawns only one step”

“Try & move the center pawns (green) two steps. If you can’t move it two steps, then settle for one.”

#2 — Edge Rule

“Never take anything to the edge. Go to the edge and you’ll soon fall off the board”

( Note : See image on left for the colors )

#3 Rule — Bishop Development

“Never develop both your Bishops through the back gate”

Remember these three simple traffic rules of opening and you would go on to become a better chess player. Tmyptir Viliba.