Reading the Board - Chess Lessons
- ️Fri Dec 21 2018
Pawn Structures
Connected pawns can defend each other as they advance. Doubled pawns block each other. Pawns, with no other pawns next to them are isolated and are frequently easy to attack.
Pawn Chains
A group of pawns that protect each other on a diagonal is called a pawn chain. The only unprotected pawn in the chain is the base pawn at the back.
Space
The more space you control on the board, the more room your pieces have to maneuver, and the less space your opponent has. A great way to claim space is to put your pawns in the center.
Open, Closed, Semi-open Games
There are three main categories of positions, in terms of how blocked they are, open, closed, and semi-open. Watch the video to learn how each of these affects your strategy.
When to Trade Pieces
It's usually helpful to trade if you can get ahead but what should you do if a potential trade doesn't gain or lose material? Watch the video for insights.
Advanced Chess Notation
Beyond basic notation, there are a few key symbols to know. Watch the video for more details.