Piece development

Also known as:mobilization

Developing the pieces as quickly as possible is decisive for seizing the initiative and being first to launch an attack. If one side gets far ahead of the other in development (in mobilizing forces), a serious advantage in force can appear at once in some sector of the board, and that can be decisive.

In chess, carrying out your own task always means getting in the way of the opponent's. So while aiming for a favorable pawn structure, try to spoil the opponent's; while developing your pieces, try to hold up the mobilization of theirs.

The principles of opening strategy say not to waste time: except when creating or meeting tactical threats, avoid moving the same piece several times, pushing the rook pawns, and such.