Chess Opening Principles for Beginners: A Black Perspective

By FJ Snijman - 2025-02-25

This chess guide expands upon standard opening principles, particularly for players using black. It emphasizes that black's goal is equality and counter-attack opportunities via trades.

The text advises beginners to prepare for common traps, sacrifices, and pawn storms, instead of passively pursuing pawn structures. Moreover, the source stresses the importance of knowing enough opening theory to survive early aggression and to be aware of openings where giving up a bishop pair is an acceptable move. It suggests being able to identify lines that lead to equality for black and not fearing early pawn storms.