Worksheet: Opening Rules Checklist

Use a simple checklist: develop pieces, control center, castle, and avoid early queen moves.

Why This Matters

• Good openings are about preparing your pieces, not chasing quick tricks.
• The checklist keeps your king safer and your pieces coordinated before tactics start.
• If you follow these rules, you avoid many early mistakes.

Objectives

• Remember the four opening rules.
• Spot moves that break opening rules.
• Use the checklist before move 10.

Practice Tasks

1. Write the 4 opening rules.
2. Mark which of these is best on move 2: Qh5, Nf3, a3.
3. Check if your mini-game castled by move 10.

Board Walkthrough

Follow the lesson one board at a time. The teacher answer key includes the move list.