Strategy  ·  Lesson 89 of 92

King Safety Timing

When should you usually castle?

Choose the right answer

  1. Never — the king fights
  2. Within the first 5–10 moves, before the center opens
  3. Only after all pieces are traded
  4. Move 25 exactly
Show the answer

Within the first 5–10 moves, before the center opens

An uncastled king in an opening center is a tactic magnet. Castle early — especially before you start your own attack.

Practise this on a live board

This lesson is one of 92 in the Grandmaster Academy — every one playable, with the pieces moving under your hand.

♔ Practise this lesson free
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