Chess Olympics

Chess Strategies

One of the most amazing aspects of chess is that any of a large number of strategies can be used to try and defeat an opponent. Various counter-strategies also exist to block known attacks, and many times it so happens that a particular strategy which would have lead you to victory in a certain situation may lead to your downfall in another. If you want to be a good chess player, then you need to have a good knowledge of various strategies, and should be capable of adapting your strategy according to the opponent you’re facing.Here, a few of the most famous strategies in the world of chess will be outlined:

EFFECTIVE OPENING MOVE

It is a highly effective opening to move the king’s pawn as this frees the bishop as well as the queen. No other move can free two pieces like this.

THE PIN AND THE FORK

Try to move one of your pieces to such a spot that it is in the position to capture two of the opponent’s unguarded pieces. The opponent can either come up with a very good move, or has to lose one of his pieces! This move can be played effectively by bishops, rooks and knights as well as the queen. A very effective move is to put the opponent king in check, as that will definitely force a retreat.
This strategy can be countered effectively:
1. Retreat one of the pieces such that it moves into a position protecting the other. This leaves the opponent with limited options.
2. Move another of your pieces into such a position that it threatens an important piece of the opponent. This effectively distracts attention.

As the level of your game progresses it’s essential that you learn to accomplish multiple goals in a single move. For example, move a piece such that it is effectively defending one of your important pieces, and at the same time threatening an opponent piece.

HOLDING PIECES HOSTAGE

If one of your pieces is being threatened by the opponent and defence or retreat is not possible, it’s a good idea to threaten another of the opponent’s pieces in some other part of the board. That way, you won’t be at a disadvantage, and it’ll be the opponent’s choice whether to take your piece or not.

INVISIBLE ATTACK

In an invisible attack, your attacking piece stays still, while another of your piece which has been blocking its attack moves out of the way. Opponents may be looking at what your moving piece does and may ignore what your stationary piece is capable of! To counter this attack, it is important that you analyse the entire board after each move, and make sure none of your pieces are in danger.

TRADING PIECES

Trading pieces is making a move such that both you and your opponent lose similarly valued pieces. While attempting such a move, keep in mind the value of both the pieces, and the situation in the game such that you come out having an edge.

THE SACRIFICE

This is an advanced strategy in which you purposely put one of your pieces in harm’s way to force an opponent piece to move. Before attempting such a move, you should be sure of success or you’ll end up wasting a piece for nothing.

WASTED MOVES

A wasted move is one which does nothing to strengthen your position in the game. Even if one of your pieces is threatened, try to make a move which accomplishes some other purpose other than just protecting your piece.

SOME TIPS

Make sure you make best possible use of the assets you have. It’s a good strategy to open up your pieces early so that you have leverage on the board, while making sure that you don’t endanger them. Also, try to control the centre of the board as it gives your opponent less space and flexibility to create trouble for you.