Development

At the start of a game, most pieces are boxed in behind the pawns. Development means moving them from their starting squares to places where they control useful squares, defend, attack, or prepare later play. Moving a piece once is not enough if it lands without a job or can be chased away easily.

Knights and bishops, known as the minor pieces, usually come out first. Their movement also helps free the queen and rooks. Good development often supports center control, influence over the central squares, and prepares castling, the special move that normally improves king safety and activates a rook. These are guidelines rather than automatic rules: the actual position determines which piece needs to act first.

A tempo is one useful turn. If one player develops while the other repeats moves or plays moves with little effect, the first player gains a lead in development. That lead is usually temporary, so it should be used to open lines, meaning clear files or diagonals for long-range pieces, create threats, or seize the initiative, the ability to make moves that demand replies, before the opponent catches up.