Quote Originally Posted by DreadedHermie
OK, theory question.


You did a kingside castle.

Is there a "usual" response in terms of which side I want to castle to?

Don't know if that made sense....but...

If both sides are castled, is it usual that they are directly across the board from each other: both kingside or both queenside?

Or does each side castled "opposite" each other (Black castled kingside and White castled queenside, for example) make a better game and people choose to play it that way?

Not sure if there's even an answer to this question. Obviously, if there's an immediate or long term tactical advantage to one side over the other, that's easy. But if all things are otherwise kinda equal...?
In this case, the king's side castle was about linking the last 3 pieces that white has on the back rank which increases their influence.
Linking the 2 rooks and the queen, is almost as good as development off of the back rank.
It's still all about "positional advantage, this early in the game.

It's almost the end of the opening. (Where did the time go?)

That is, white is ready for mid-game play while black is still cramped and 2 moves behind.

How did that happen?

Black was harried into moving a knight twice instead of developing the bishop or queen.

That pawn capture also cost some time and cramped your center.

I don't know all the advantages of castling to one side or the other. It is a dynamic choice. Depends on many variables.

I can advise that castling too early is not wise strategy.
Keep the opponent guessing as long as possible lest he know where to concentrate his strength.


And actually most games are played out with neither side cloistering da king atall.
Some games, the king becomes a major player early on.
But, it's a risky business.

These game are instructional and I was/am demonstrating the odd rules whenever I can.
The en passant rule is also seldom invoked but not understanding it can cost one the game.
I will not "go for the throat," if a weaker move teaches more about the game.
As I said before.
The first games are not about conquest.

It's a zen kine thing.

Once you feel invincible, then we crush!


So, decided yet?

W.:smokin: