Ten Move Games

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. With the above observations in mind I developed the simple idea of a “Ten-move C&O Family Chess Center game” as a classroom technique to begin www.chesscenter.net introducing the basic concepts of “game analysis” and the importance of “opening theory.” The Ten-Move Game A “ten-move game” may be the start of a A game of chess may have three phases: regular ladder game, or a self-contained the “opening” (where players develop their unit. It is always written down, both to pieces and seek control of the center), the keep track of the number of moves and for “middle-game” (where strategy and tactics the analysis of the opening moves. The predominate), and the “end-game” (when term “ten-move game” is actually not quite many pieces have already been lost and the accurate as it may last a little longer or emphasis may shift to promoting a pawn or shorter (see below). Its main purpose is to creating a mate). Checkmate, or focus the student on the “opening” phase of resignation, may occur during any of these the game and its rules are the rules of chess phases. with these simple additions:

However, over the years it has become 1. If, at the end of ten moves, one clear that with students rated under Level 6 player is clearly ahead by five points, or (USCF or Club-rating 600) a majority of more, he wins (with one half of the games are actually “lost” in the first ten normal rating value). moves, that is, during the “opening.” What 2. If a player is ahead by three or four do I mean? I mean that one player makes a points the player on the weaker side may mistake(s) serious enough to allow the decide to resign or elect to play on (again other player to achieve a material with one half of the normal rating advantage of 3 points or more. Even value). though the game may continue for many 3. If the position is equal, or neither more moves before checkmate occurs, such player is more than two points ahead, an imbalance should give one player a the game should continue as a regular permanent handicap and the other a game. permanent advantage (even if no further The above point spreads should be serious errors are made). less for players rated 600 or higher. The reason for this happening is simple. Most players at these levels lack a clear Ten moves is an arbitrary number understanding of opening principles and chosen because it is the number used in our also move too fast. To aide in overcoming opening guide “Seven Things To Do in the these faults we teach the opening principles First Ten Moves.” In practice the game embodied in our guide “Seven Things to may be a little longer (or shorter). For Do in the First Ten Moves,” and also the example, if, after exactly ten moves, the errors discussed in the guide “The Ten Bad following position is reached, counting the Moves.” Both of these are available as points reveals that Black is ahead by downloads on our website. exactly five points (Black has captured a C&O Family Chess Center – The Ten Move Game page 2 of 2

Knight and a Bishop while White has there. Unfinished games of less than ten captured only a Pawn). moves will not count.

XABCDEFGHY Every regularly scheduled game 8r+l+-+-tr( contains a “ten-move game” within it. While not counting as a whole game, 7zppmk-+pzpp' players may find it useful to reinforce the 6-+nzp-+n+& importance of the three strategic goals in 5+-vl-zp-wq-% the opening: 1) piece development; 2) King safety; and 3) control of the center. 4-+L+P+-+$ 3+-+P+N+-# Experienced tournament players often mark their scoresheets in ten move 2PzPP+-zPPzP" intervals to help them use their time 1tR-+Q+RmK-! wisely. For example: knowing that an xabcdefghy average game lasts from forty to sixty After 10…Qxg5. White to move. moves, a player with 30 minutes on his clock may want to take a whole 5 minutes However it does not take a grandmaster (or more) for his first 10 moves. Since the to notice that White may capture Black’s game becomes more complex after a Queen on the next move (11.Nxg5), successful opening, many players want to thereby putting White ahead by four points. allow more time for the next ten. In this case (following rule two) Black may As a general rule you are better off if elect to resign (losing only half the normal you use more time early (entering the points), or play on for another ten moves if middle- or end-game with a material he so wishes (as a regular game). advantage but less time) than having more

The game may be checked by the time later but a material disadvantage. players in this fashion every ten moves, or From the use of ten-move games you will so, (especially if time is short). For players develop the habit of careful play in the of level 6 or higher a good rule of thumb opening and maybe improve your time- management skills as well. for the weaker side is “…if you have played ten moves with a deficit of five An interesting exercise is to look at the points, or more, or if you can see no way to first ten moves of master games and see if recover the material you have lost, you anyone had an advantage. In most cases should resign”. However, if you can see an the answer will be no! If someone did, see opportunity to regain material, or to if that is who eventually won the game. complicate the position with threats and Then do the same kind of analysis of your attacks, you should probably not resign. own games. When someone is ahead after The option of resigning is always the ten moves can you spot the error(s) that choice of the individual player except in allowed the advantage. Remember: “When the first ten moves as stated above. you lose, it’s always because you made an