The queen is the most powerful piece in your army it combines the powers of a rook and bishop. It can go as far as it wants in any direction as long as nothing blocks its path. It may not leap over another piece. If an opposing piece is on its target square, the latter is taken and the queen replaces it.
The queen's range and flexibility make it the most important piece on the board for attacking the opposing king. When the queens have been exchanged the position immediately becomes more peaceful and the chances of an attack diminish.
As a beginner you should always be checking whether your queen is being threatened. Because if it is lost then you have no hope against a careful opponent.
If you move the queen too early your opponent will attack it and gain time fot the development of his or her pieces.
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