preface In chess the tactics may change but the strategic fundamental principles are always the same, so
that Chess Fundamentals is as good now [1934, when the preface to this current edition was written] as it was thirteen
years ago [when initially published in 1921]. It will be as good a hundred years from now; as long in fact as the laws and
rules of the game remain what they are at present. The reader may therefore go over the contents of the book with
the assurance that there is in it everything he needs, and that there is nothing to be added and nothing to be changed.
p.3 The first thing a student should do, is to familiarise himself with the power of the pieces.
p.24 It will be seen that all the combinations shown [in previous examples] have
for a foundation the proper co-ordination of the pieces, which have all been brought to bear against a weak point.
p.28-29 The control of the centre is of great importance. No violent attack can succeed
without controlling at least two of these squares, and possibly three.
p.82 Failing an opportunity, in the second case, for direct attack, one must attempt to increase
whatever weakness there may be in the opponent's position; or, if there is none, one or more must be created. It
is always an advantage to threaten something, but such threats must be carried into effect only if something is to be gained
immediately. For, holding the threat in hand, forces the opponent to provide against its execution and to keep material in
readiness to meet it. Thus he may more easily overlook, or be unable to parry, a thrust at another point. But once
the threat is carried into effect, it exists no longer, and your opponent can devote his attention to his own schemes.
p.94 Very often in a game a master only plays to cut off, so to speak, one of the pieces from the
scene of actual conflict. Often a Bishop or a Knight is completely put out of action. In such cases we might say
that from that moment the game is won, because for all practical purposes there will be one more piece on one side than on
the other.
p.114 keep harassing the enemy; force him to use his big pieces to defend Pawns. If
he has a weak point, try to make it weaker, or create another weakness somewhere else and his position will collapse sooner
or later. If he has a weakness, and he can get rid of it, make sure that you create another weakness somewhere else.
p.138 Keep freedom of manoeuvre while hampering your opponent.
