Openings, with a coach
Ready when: Attack and defence (i1) to Checks, captures, threats (i6) done.
What the coach teaches
King's pawn openings (Four Knights, Spanish, Scotch, Italian) and queen's pawn openings (Queen's Gambit, Indian defences); principles first (centre, develop, castle), not memorised lines.
At home, safe only
Play and review your own games.
Ask the club
Whether juniors have a list of openings to learn and how openings are tested.
What you can see from the side
The child brings out the pieces and castles early.
Self-check what the coach confirms
The child can play the first 6 moves of one chosen opening.
Stop and get a coach when
The child memorises lines without understanding.
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