Openingtrainer pawn with tempo 1

Time is a fascinating concept. Why is it that time always moves forward and never backward? In professional chess tournaments there is always a chess clock next to the board. At the start of the game, both players have a pre-agreed amount of thinking time. Players may use their total thinking time as they see fit, as long as the time does not run out. The moment you run out of time, your ‘flag falls’ – you've lost!

Well, time in chess does not only relate to the ticking of the clock, it is also a concept on the board itself! Every move that is played is called a tempo. After one player invests a tempo, it is the opponent's turn. So your job is to use those tempi as efficiently as possible.

It is unwise to play multiple moves with the same piece in the opening. You rather prefer to position all of your pieces actively, so that they can work together.

However, there is an exception to this. Take a look at the example. The white pawn is under attack. We can cover this with the knight, but there is also a strong alternative. White can advance the center pawn. Yes, the pawn moves a second time, but because the black knight is under attack, Black will have to move the knight again. After the black knight jumps to a safe square, it is our turn again. This way no time is wasted!

What do you have to do?

Look for active developing moves, but also consider if you can advance a pawn and gain a tempo.