Chess Strategy

When evaluating position, we should consider factors with their static (absolute) and dynamic (relative) value. So, counting pawn islands, weak squares, pieces’ placement, safety of the kings etc is the first step to be taken. Next is to reconsider each of the assessments in respect of their correlation with other factors, both static and dynamic, and time potential. Time potential means how fast can factor change, to better or worse, and how can this influence with other factors. This is where chess becomes hard and we have to make choices on what is the (most) important feature in the given position.

Let’s see what are the factors in diagrammed setup. White has three pawn islands, black only two. White has to take care of c4 and possibly a2 pawns, while black keeps eye on c7. Pawn a2 is potential passer and both kings seem to be safe at the moment. Nd5 and Bd4 are wonderfully anchored in the center, Bh4 is not that bad either, Rb1 is on the open file, Re8 is on the semi-open file, while black pieces on the a-file might be a bit misplaced.

Now it is important to revise everything said above and see how these factors behave in the real-time, ie next couple of moves. With locked pawn structures, real-time can be extended to 15 or more moves.

Black could be threatening c6, kicking away beautiful Nd5. In such case, he might have new problem with backward d6 pawn and non perspective Ba4. Another possibly promising idea for black could be Rb7 with next Reb8, where b-file is challenged and Kh1 might feel uncomfortable with backrank threats. See how factor of king safety can be changed quickly.

White cannot really do anything to take the advantage of passed a-pawn or open b-file because black bishops are controlling lots of squares. This is a good moment to repeat one of the advices given in early lessons when we were dealing with exchange issues - “Always try to exchange opponent’s most active pieces with your less important ones”. This is good hint to take a look at what’s happening if black Bd4 is traded.

With dark-squared bishops off the board, suddenly entire complex of dark squares becomes weak. Furthermore, white Queen and Knight are in good position to combine the power and break in enemies camp. Now we understand that earlier remark about black king’s safety was solely depending on the strong Bd4, but alas, that piece can be exchanged by force. In real-time, it turns out that black king is extremely vulnerable.

1. Bf2!

Offering exchange of unemployed piece for opponent’s guardian. Black cannot really avoid the trade, because 1…Bf6 2. Nxf6 Kxf6 3. Bh4+ or 1…Be5 2. f4 Bf6 3. Nxf6 would expose the king to deadly attack. We can also revise earlier note about black pieces on a-file and say that they are badly misplaced as the main course of events with happen on the other side of the board and black pieces cannot support the king in real-time.

1…Bxf2 2. Rxf2 Qa5

Black is trying to prevent Qc3.

3. Qe2!

Still, white has another option and black can’t do anything against it - b2 square. Therefore, he’s trying to build a fortress.

3…f6 4. Qb2 Rf8 5. g4!

But pawn f6 is pinned by Qb2 and white will add more power to attack by advancing to g5. There is no time for 5…c6 as 6. Nxf6 Rxf6 7. g5 ends the game.

5…h6 6. f4 g5 7. h4

Pawn g5 is overwhelmed and black is forced to give up on it.

7…gxh4 8. Nxf6! with next g5 and black resigned within next few moves.

Looking only at the static factors, everything seemed fine for black. But once we included relative and real-time consideration, and correctly identified key factors, white was able to demolish black in less than 10 moves.

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