The game of chess is full of intricacies, requiring both methodical play and foresight. An example of a simple game, thoroughly explained at every step, will help you to gain a better understanding. All the plays are numbered. In formal matches, the defending player always takes Black.

White	Black
1P–K4	1P–K4
2Kt–KB 3

This is a good move, bringing out a piece and immediately attacking Black's undefended King's Pawn.

White	Black
2 Kt–QB 3

Black defends his Pawn.

White	Black
3 B–B4

White attacks Black's KBP, with the idea of bringing another piece to bear on it. It could not be taken at this time because it is defended by the King. Remember, a Bishop is worth at least three Pawns.

White	Black
3 B–B4
4 P–Q3

This move frees the Queen's Bishop.

White	Black
4 P–Q3
5 Kt–QB 3	5 Kt–KB 3
6 Castles	6 Castles
7 B–KKt 5

Here White pins the black Knight, which cannot be moved without losing the Queen.

White	Black
7P–KR3

Black tries to drive away this troublesome Bishop.

White	Black
8 B X Kt	8Q X B

Black retakes with Queen in order to avoid a doubled Pawn on KBP file, and the attack of Q–Q2 threatened by White.

9 Kt–Q5	9 Q–Kt 3
10 Kt X QBP	10B–KR6

Black leaves the Rook open to be taken, and menacing immediate checkmate.

White	Black
11 Kt–KR 4

White instead stops the mate and attacks the Queen.

White	Black
11 Q–B 3
12 Kt X R	12 Q X Kt
13 P X B	13 Q X KRP
14 Kt–B7

White is overanxious to save his piece.

White	Black
14 Kt–Q5
15 P–KB 3

White is vainly trying to prevent the danger.

White	Black
15 Kt X KBP

Black discovers that he is in double check. The white King is now checked both by Bishop and Knight, and must move into the corner square.

White	Black
16 K–R sq.	16 Q X RP checkmate