Chess Strategy 101

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Strategic Changes

   def. strategy: What should I be doing?(thought of in words)

   def. tactics: How do I do it?(thought of in moves)

   *With any pawn move but especially captures, one may have to re-think their strategy!!!

   *A good strategy must be backed by appropriate tactics!

   *All strategies are inter-related(if that's a word). It's your job in a position to calculate which is more important and peruse moves that'll achieve that objective. 

  *In an equal position with no tactical threats the strategy of which one has the least is probable the most important.(Ex.1: on the first move there's no central pawn formation,space, or time; any move that can start all 3 must be correct.) (Ex.2: in the endgame[less material] any material advantage may prove decisive.) 

 

Main Strategies in Order of Importance

1. King Safety
2. Pawn Formation
3. Space
4. Time
5. Material

   King Safety (this is the hardest thing for me to judge, think defence first)

   The King should not be (over-)exposed to attack, the pawns near the King should not be doubled or missing, especially in the opening when one's opponent has most of his material. And once castled the back rank must be kept strong or the King must have some air (luft,squares) to escape.

  

   Pawn Formation

   The central pawn structure is the most important. If the central pawns are exchanged(missing)(an open or semi-open position) Time becomes a most important strategic factor. If the center is closed Time is of lesser importance. Also try to avoid pawn weaknesses: isolated,doubled, backward(especially on your opponent's open files). The more pawn islands(groups of pawns)-the more pawn bases- the weaker your pawn stucture. 

   * When the center is closed with "holes"(a open square with a enemy pawn in front that can't be attacked by a pawn) a knight can be strongly placed in the "hole": trade off the bishop the color of the "hole" & trade at least one of your bishops for your opponent's knights. 

    Space

   Space is squares one attacks on their opponent's side of the board but in a completely closed position is the squares for maneuvering behind one pawn line, therefore pawns should be advanced on the wing you wish to attack. The central space is the most important early in the game when there are no weaknesses in your or your opponent's position. Space is more important in a closed central positions especially if the center can be kept closed(strategically or tactically).

   Time

   Time is the development of one's pieces. Most important in open positions and when most of the material is on the board if assaulting the King. A 3 move(tempo) advantage is eqiuvalent to at least a pawn in material in an open position.

  Material

   Material is the force of the pieces. Each piece has its own ability and therefore its own value relative to the position. A pieces value is mainly determined by its mobility in a position.

   Relative piece values are:   Pawn    1 (base unit)
                                                      Knight   3
                                                      Bishop   3+
                                                      Rook      5
                                                      Queen    9 

   When ahead in material continue your attack & development not fearing any even exchanges, contest your opponents open lines.

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     * Any questions on chess or comments about the site contact me: chessman26@juno.com  
                                           

   My Favorite Chess Sites:

    Chess.com Online Chess Community  a new chess site for blogs,sharing,learning & e-mail(turn-based) chess; improving weekly; my favorite site. 

  http://www.chessvictory.com  for paid chess training  

   http://www.chesscenter.com/twic/twic.html  for free chess news & education, links to the London Chess Center for sets & boards etc. and a link to Chess Express for free chess current events, games analyzed, puzzles, etc.