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How to Master Defense in Chess

Chess is a game about planning. Each move should be made with a full anticipation of which moves will be made in three turns. While a chess player can gain victory with constant offensive attacks, he must learn how to properly defend his pieces if he hopes to achieve victory over tougher opponents.
Mastering defense in Chess requires knowledge of the board and the players. It demands playing with a defensive strategy and reacting to your opponent instead of just acting against him.

Instructions

- 1
  Sacrifice your pieces. If you notice your opponent is setting up to place your King into check, use a lesser piece to block this attack. It could save your King, or give you enough time to move the King out of harm's way.
- 2
  Spread your pieces out during play. Do not focus on moving pieces from just one side of the board. Creating multiple areas of movement can spread your opponent's focus across the entire board.
- 3
  Move each piece only once during the opening of the game. For example, move your pawn's rook out two spaces on the first turn, then when it is your turn again move a separate pawn or the freed rook. Moving multiple pieces out at the start of the game will push a wall towards your opponent, keeping your King and other valuable pieces safely tucked away.
- 4
  Think about your next move. When moving in to capture an opponent's piece, check to see if you will end up sacrificing a greater piece. Never sacrifice your defense for an offensive move.
- 5
  Keep your pieces on your side of the board during the opening of the game. Don't venture beyond the fourth space on the board with any piece until you have at least two additional pieces around it. Having multiple pieces will discourage your opponent from attempting to take a piece, for fear he will lose his own immediately after.
- 6
  Castle as a last line of defense when your opponent is one move away from a check or checkmate. Castling with a rook will send your King into a safe location. If you keep one rook behind for a castle, it could mean foiling your opponent's strategy.
- 7
  Use the Sicilian Defense of countering an initial pawn move of e4 with a pawn move to c5. This will lead to sacrificed pawns on your end, but end with your advantage further in the game. When your opponent takes your pawn, it pulls his own pawn towards your end of the board, and into your defensive line, giving you an advantage over his piece
- 8
  Use the French Defense by mirroring the opening move of your opponent. This will prevent his initial attack while also putting his own pieces in peril as you line up a wall of pawns.

Chess & Checkers