Skip to main content

Positional

Pawn Structure

·760 words·4 mins
Knowning which pawn structure is “weak” is not enough: one need to know how to attack them, or making use of the weaknesses. In general, the formular to attack weak pawns(isolated, backward) is to control the square in front of the pawn so it can’t advance. (the squares are usually weak since no pawn can defend it). Then pile up on the weakness. Every structure has its pros and cons.

The Center, Territory and Space

·957 words·5 mins
Amateurs often have no clue of how to use center/space advantage, instead keen on forcing continuations, and unjustified attacks. Rules of center # Rule 1. Full pawn center gives control and space. # A full pawn center gives its owner territory and control over key central squares.

Imbalances and Bishop vs Knight

·837 words·4 mins
Imbalances: the static and dynamic differences. List of imbalances # Minor pieces: the interplay between Bishops and Knights Pawn structure: doubled/isolated/backward/passed pawns, islands. Space Material Files and squares: files, ranks and diagonals act as pathway, while squares act as homes. Development: this is a temporary balance. Initiative: also temporary. ⚠️ Don't look at individual moves! Try to understand the position, before starting calculation on individual moves. Bishop vs Knights # It’s the most important imbalance of the game.