Lesson 2: Piece Play

If we refer to Tarrasch quote here, white is clearly worse here (Diagram 1). At first glance, it seems like white is not doing bad, but after a close inspection we realize that he knight on a1 will never see the light of the day ever again…

This is classical example how one bad piece ruins the whole position.

Basic Ideas:

1.    Try to look for the worst place piece.

2.    Try to compare your pieces with your opponent’s pieces.

3.    Try to find idea squares for the piece you feel like you could improve.

Key Concepts:

1.    When you are up in material, try to think about how you should use that extra material.

2.    Quality > Quantity***

3.    Create squares for your pieces

Diagram 2-1

When we’re up in material (we have more pawns/pieces), its important to try to use our material. In diagram 1-2, white is a pawn up, yet a closer look reveals white has a extra pawn on the c-file. Therefore, pushing the b and c pawn is very logical here.

Diagram 2-2

Having a high quality chess piece is usually better than a bunch of bad pieces. This can be especially seen on diagram 2-2, although black is 3(!) pawns up, he is still lost; white has a single pawn on d7 that is about to promote. the d7 pawn’s value is greater than all of black’s pawns.

Diagram 2-3

Finding good squares for your pieces can be essential to the harmony and corporation between your position. And sometimes, this requires a bit a creativity. In diagram 2-3, white has the move, 1.e5! attacking black’s knight on f6, but also is ready to move his own knight to e4 and d6. Combining our knowledge from last lesson, we know that the d6 square is very weak.

Game/Example 1