It is generally better to keep your men in the middle of the board than to
play them to the side squares, as in the latter case one-half of their
power is curtailed.
When you have once gained an advantage in the number of your pieces, you
increase the proportion by exchanges, but in forcing them you must take
care not to damage your position. Open your game {433} at all times upon a
regular plan; by so doing you will acquire method in both attack and
defence. Accustom yourself to play slowly at first, and, if a beginner,
prefer playing with better players than yourself. Note their methods of
opening a game, and follow them when opportunity presents itself.
If playing against an inferior, it is as well to keep the game complicated;
if with a superior, to simplify it. Avoid scattering your forces; as they
get fewer, concentrate them as much as possible.
Never touch the squares of the board with your fingers; and accustom
yourself to play your move off-hand, when you have once made up your mind.
Do not lose time in studying when you have only one way of taking, but take
quickly.
Pay quite as much attention to the probable plans of your adversary as to
your own.
Remember that the science of the game consists in so moving your pieces at
the commencement as to obtain a position which will compel your adversary
to give his men away. One man ahead with a clear game should be a certain
_win_.
In conclusion, the student is strongly advised to study and master the
theory and practice of the play embraced in the First, Second, Third, and
Fourth Positions (see _post_). These endings, in different forms, are of
very frequent occurrence, and should be thoroughly mastered.