Page:How to Play Chess (Rogers).djvu/83

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SUGGESTIONS FOR BEGINNERS
73

the player should move the Piece threatened to the square next but one in the same diagonal as that in which the Knight stands. He cannot then attack for three moves. The player who castles with his King's Rook must look out for an adverse Knight on his KB5.

The Pawn. The Pawn is of less value than any of the other Chessmen and cannot take a very prominent part in the game when isolated. His greatest value is realized, however, when he forms part of a diagonal; and diagonals of pawns are most effective when inclining toward the center of the board, and not toward the wings. As Pawns move only one square at a time, excepting in the first move, their progress is slow, but if developed together it is possible for one or more of them to reach the eighth rank and be Queened. For this reason, they should not be needlessly sacrificed. Only skillful players fully appreciate what can be done with them, and use them to the best advantage. In the opening or middle game, Pawns are more easily