How to Play Positional Chess

Start the game by employing three opening principles that must be used to play positional chess. First, develop a d or e file pawn to a central square. Second, quickly develop the knights and bishops to squares that either defend the central pawn, control central squares or both. Lastly, castle early to ensure the king's safety.

Create good pawn structure early in the game. When developing pawns in the opening, use pawn chains to advance the pawns toward the other side. Avoid isolated pawns that are subject to capture because no immediate protection is available to them. Use pawns to protect minor and major pieces in the middle game.

Examine the entire board before making any move. Beginners tend to focus on the center of the board. Many attacks, especially those by bishops, rooks and the queen, can come from the opposite side of the board, out of the player's immediate line of sight. Look at each of an opponent's pieces, no matter where they are, and note the squares they attack or control.

Plan a smooth transition into the middle game. Too many beginners start with a decent opening only to have it fall apart when starting the middle game. The minor pieces should be positioned on squares that attack or control as much of the board's center as possible. Bring the rooks to open central files at the start of the middle game.

Play the game for the long run. Do not play for quick checkmates or fast endings. Take the time necessary to set up positions that will maintain long-term pressure. Placing a bishop on a long diagonal puts pressure on any piece landing on that diagonal. The bishop is putting pressure on the diagonal squares and limits an opponent's choice of safe squares.