Page:The chess-player's text book.djvu/37

conclusion of a game is somewhat superior to a Bishop with an equal number of Pawns, since he can spring from White to Black, and thus attack on either coloured squares, whereas the Bishop can attack only on squares of the colour on which he moves.

The Pawn.—It is advisable generally so to play your Pawns that they shall not retard the movements of your own Pieces, and yet obstruct as much as possible those of your antagonist. Most players, therefore, strive to occupy the centre squares of the board with their Pawns pretty early in the game ; but you should not be too eager to advance two Pawns abreast in the middle of the field until you are able to maintain them there, either with superior Pieces or other Pawns.

When you have two Pawns so advanced, should the adversary attack one of them with a Pawn of his, it is sometimes better to push the Pawn attacked another square than to take his Pawn, but you must always be careful of advancing your Pawns too far, because, unless supported, they are almost sure to fall. Pawns, in the game, are usually better at their fourth square than early at their sixth.

In an open game—that is, where both parties play P. to K.'s 4th at the beginning—it is not generally prudent to move the K. Kt.'s Pawn or Q. Kt.'s Pawn early in the opening, but you may do so advantageously in most of the débuts.

As your K. B.'s Pawn is the most vulnerable point, always have an especial eye to that, until, by Castling on your K.'s side, you have given it the support of a R. as well as the K. : and after Castling, be wary of advancing the Kt.'s Pawn that is before your K.

When your Pawns stand in a line, diagonally, take more than ordinary care to preserve the topmost Pawn, and never