The Capablanca method · Chapter 1

The opening

Capablanca never memorised opening theory. He followed five simple principles — develop everything, keep your king safe, and never waste a move. Step through each on the board below.

O-1

Develop every piece before you attack

An attack launched with half your army still on the back rank fizzles out — and those sleeping pieces can't defend either. Give every piece a job first. A knight on f3 is working; a knight still on g1 is not.

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A London System — develop every piece before starting anything.
O-2

Break pins calmly

If a bishop pins your knight, don't panic. Develop your other knight to d2 or e2 to add support, then reposition your queen to undo the pin. You lose no time, because the supporting knight was a useful developing move anyway.

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Handling a pin calmly — no panic, no wasted time.
O-3

Prefer moves that make a threat

The best opening moves develop a piece and create a threat on the opponent's side, forcing them to react and lose time. A check or an attack on a piece can be worth it even if it means moving the same piece twice.

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A developing move that also makes a threat.
O-4

Castle early — usually kingside

Castle as soon as you reasonably can. Kingside is usually safer — the king hides behind untouched pawns. Queenside is sharper (your rook lands on an open file immediately) but the king is more exposed.

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Castle as early as you reasonably can.
O-5

Don't move the same piece twice without a reason

Moving a piece a second time delays developing the rest of your army. The only excuse is a concrete threat — a check, a capture, a fork — that forces your opponent to reply.

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Don't move the same piece twice — spend every move developing a new one.
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