Check back here for different terms and definitions that we will use in our chess matches.

Blunder – A terrible move that loses material or involves decisive positional or tactical concessions.

Opening – The start of a game, incorporating the first dozen or so moves. The basic goals of an opening are to:

• Develop pieces as quickly as possible.
• Control as much of the center as possible.
• Castle early and get the King to safety, while at the same time bringing the Rooks toward the center and placing them on potentially open files.

File – A vertical column of eight squares. Designated in algebraic notation as the a-file, b-file, and so on.