7 Simple Yet Powerful Middle Game Ideas That Win Games

Written by Yury Markushin

Sunday, 08 March 2015 21:51

In today's article we will take a look at some of the very simple middle game ideas that many players ignore. Chess is a game in which every little detail counts. The higher level of a player gets the more "details" he or she understands and pays attention to. For example, on beginner's level, the doubled pawns are just aesthetically unpleasant. However, on the master's level it may become something that the whole game revolves around. It maybe something that will separate a win from a draw. 1. Bishop should be positioned in front of your pawn chainA bishop is a long-range piece. It works best when there is a lot of open space. In open positions bishop controls a lot more squares than in locked up ones and thus becomes a much more valuable piece. In order to make your bishop effective you want to place it on the open diagonals in front of the pawn chain. Placing the bishop behind the pawn chain is usually not a good idea since it reduces its mobility.

2. Gain control of the centerIn chess, the side that controls the center usually has an advantage (assuming other factors are equal). Center control provides extra space which in turn translates into the superior ability to maneuver the pieces. That factor is very important for both attack and defense. Fighting for the center is a very important element of positional chess.

3. Find an outpost square for the knightThe outpost is a square on the opponents side of the board that is not controlled by any of his pawns. That fact makes this square extremely valuable if occupied by the knight. The knights are especially strong close to the center and next to the opponents king. Placing the knight on the outpost square creates a lot of discomfort for your opponent, gaining space, reducing his pieces mobility and creating threats.

Most amateur players have trouble thinking positionally. These players are typically proficient at positions that involve the following elements: Clear attacking possibilities Straightforward tactical lines Serious advantageWhat should they do in positions with no such elements available, or when these elements are much more subtle? Click here to learn the answer.4. Rooks belong on open and semi-open filesRooks generally become very strong when the following conditions are met: They are positioned on the open files They are connected They are doubledPlacing the rook on anopen file is similar to placing the bishop on an open diagonal. Rook on the open file is like fish in water. That is where it operates at its best. Not only the rook protects the file from being occupied by the opponents pieces, but also it creates an immediate pressure on his position. If you see an open or semi-open file, you dont need to think long for your next move.

5. Avoid exchanging kings fianchetto bishopExchanging the kings fianchetto bishop is not a good idea since that seriously weakens the king side and makes the king more vulnerable. The kings side fianchetto bishop is a strong defending piece.It controls many important squares which immediately become weak if the bishop is gone. Generally speaking, you should plan your game so that you can keep this bishop for as long as you can.

6. Avoid pushing the kings side pawnsPushing the pawns in front of the castled king typically should be avoided. Not only it weakens the king, but it also opens diagonals and creates many unprotected squares. Both of these factors can be used by your opponent to create dangerous threats. There are indeed exceptions to this rule, when pushing these pawns is favorable. That is typically based on certain positional and tactical motifs. For example, when your opponent cannot attack you king due to closed nature of the position.

7. Anticipate opponents threatsPredicting your opponents moves is a very important ability to possess for both attack and defense. By reading the opponents plan it is possible to eliminate or at least to reduce the damage from his treats. If you see it early enough, most of the losing combinations, forks, pins and mating nets can be avoided.

Ready to take your chess on the next level? In the Positional Package you will learn about the positional factors that will help you to make correct decisions in your own games. By using these factors, you will be able to easily get an upper hand in many standard positions. All you will need to do is to simply structure your strategy around these concrete elements and to claim the game!

7 -Game

Yury Markushin

8 2015 21:51

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