Skip to content

← Lesson plan

A useful opening plan

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the side to move where shown. Use a board if it helps, and explain your answer before checking the solutions.

White to move after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5. Compare development, the centre and king safety. White to move.

Name the four small central squares.
________________________________________________________________
After 1. e4 e5, what does 2. Nf3 attack?
________________________________________________________________
Why can bringing the queen out early cost time?
________________________________________________________________
Should you develop a bishop if your queen is under attack?
________________________________________________________________

Final check

Ask each pupil to name one opening principle and one reason to make an exception.

Answers: A useful opening plan

Name the four small central squares.
d4, e4, d5 and e5.
After 1. e4 e5, what does 2. Nf3 attack?
The black pawn on e5.
Why can bringing the queen out early cost time?
The opponent can develop pieces while attacking it, making you move it repeatedly.
Should you develop a bishop if your queen is under attack?
Deal with the threat unless you have calculated a stronger forcing move.

Teaching note

Look for repeated moves with the same piece and early queen adventures. Ask what a move achieves rather than banning exceptions without explanation.