Opening Principles Cheat Sheet

1. 1. Control the center — Occupy or influence d4, e4, d5, e5 with pawns and pieces.
2. 2. Develop pieces — Knights and bishops off the back rank toward active squares.
3. 3. Castle early — King safety before launching an attack.
4. 4. Don't move the same piece twice — Unless you have a concrete reason (you're gaining something real).
5. 5. Don't bring the queen out early — She gets chased; you lose tempo while your opponent develops.

Simple starter repertoire (after principles stick)

See also: Lesson 0002 · Chess.com — Opening Principles