A good system for the student is to practise one Opening only, attack and
defence alternately, till it is thoroughly well mastered, and so on with
every other Opening. The student should not get into the habit of playing
with one colour only, or he will find himself at a disadvantage when he
cannot have his favourite colour. He must not make a move without carefully
weighing the possible replies. If he finds _a good move_, let him still try
to find a _better one_. When his opponent makes a move, he must try to
discover the object of such move, whether it is immediately menacing, or
only indirectly so. In the first case, a suitable defence must be found; in
the latter case, he may profit by the respite to bring a piece into play.
The first principle is to develop the pieces quickly, and never to commence
an attack with insufficient forces. If a player is able to bring more
pieces into play than his opponent, it is obvious that he must be stronger.
The Opening correctly played is frequently half the battle won.
Avoid useless checks. Avoid useless exchanges. Bear in mind that it is
disadvantageous to be left with two Knights only, as mate cannot be given
with them. If the player has the better game, he should avoid remaining
with a Bishop of different colour from a like piece of his opponent, as
Bishops of different colour frequently lead to a draw. {425}
The student should further accustom himself to an elegant style of
play--viz., strictly to adhere to the laws of the game; never to take back
a move; never to touch a man until he has determined where to move it; and
to move his pieces quietly.