Lesson 12: Your first game

Now you know the rules. Here are three rules of thumb for how a game begins and a trap you should know about. Then your first real game is waiting.

Step 1 of 6
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Lavi
Now we play! Three rules of thumb help you through the opening, the start of the game. The first: take the center, the four squares d4, e4, d5 and e5.

Move the e-pawn or the d-pawn two squares forward.

What you'll learn

  • Take the center with a pawn
  • Develop the knights and bishops
  • Castle early
  • Don't bring the queen out too early
  • Stop Scholar's Mate

Lesson 12 of 12 · about 8 minutes · 6 steps. Your progress is kept in this browser, and with your profile if you have one.

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Updated November 6, 2026