Book of Chess, Its Problems, and Its Subtleties

...or a detailed explanation of why a Rook remains near the right side of the board in certain match settings original: "al-dast", referring to a specific game, board state, or match, alongside the Rook, the Queen, the Knights, and their various ranks.

A Knight's value can sometimes equal that of both a Knight and a Queen; let the player reflect deeply on that. If a weakness develops in any of the blameworthy squares referring to strategically weak or vulnerable positions on the board, he should strive to remedy it quickly. With every move, he must monitor his own situation and his opponent's King original: "shah rasilihi", for the greatest risks in any match originate from the position of the King.

He should also beware of exposure al-kashf: likely referring to a "discovered check" or leaving a piece vulnerable by moving a protector, for it is among the most dangerous hazards. He should avoid opening up the game from his King's side, and should only open from the Queen's side original: "al-Farzan", the medieval "Vizier" piece which preceded the modern Queen when absolutely necessary.

If he intends to open the match, he must first ensure his King is in its most secure refuge and most fortified square. For if the King is overcome, no other piece on the board remains of any use. He must also master the opening formation al-tab'iya: standard battle arrays or "tabiyas" used to start a game in medieval chess, for if his formation is ruined, the game can rarely be salvaged.

If he spots two or three potential moves that seem appropriate for his skill level, he should not rush to play them. Instead, he should reflect on everything his own play requires, then consider the most effective response his opponent might make. Only then should he play the first move, and re-evaluate the second and third moves accordingly. By doing this for every move, he will discover options that are superior to what he first noticed.

He must also be cautious regarding the base squares original: "buyut al-qawa'im", likely referring to the foundational back-rank squares or the files where pieces are initially stationed, for one who does not understand them will never rise in rank.

For a Knight and an Elephant original: "al-Fil", the medieval precursor to the Bishop with a pawn original: "bazz", likely an abbreviation or variant of "baidhaq" against an Elephant and a pawn is a decisive advantage in certain squares. It is said that placing the right-hand Elephant next to the other Elephant is superior to having a Queen and an Elephant, whether they are separated or together. Understand this well, for every diagram in its proper place will clarify this. This configuration is also superior to having two Queens, whether they are on different squares or meeting. Understand this, for it is not appropriate to elaborate further here.