Earlier, we discussed how perpetual check can be utilized as a tactical strategy to secure a draw in a seemingly dire situation. Nevertheless, it may not always be feasible to continually target the adversary’s king, particularly during endgames that lack major pieces (queens and rooks). Fortunately, a comparable approach called perpetual pursuit can be implemented if certain conditions are met.
Category: Tactical Tips
Outpost: How to improve your positional play?
Okay, here’s the definition. A square positioned on the fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh rank that is shielded by a pawn and impervious to being targeted by an opposing pawn is known as an outpost. Conversely, such a square becomes a vulnerability for your opponent, and it is called a hole from their perspective.
Paul Morphy: Learn from one of the best of all time
Paul Morphy (June 22, 1837 – July 10, 1884) is considered one of the greatest chess players of all time. His play was characterized by his aggressive style, his excellent tactical skills, and his ability to quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents. In this article, we will show a few of his well-known masterpieces, with a special focus on the tactical strikes.
Strong doubled pawns: Learn to recognize them
In most situations, these pawn structures are usually weak points, and a good player can build the strategy on exploiting them. However, every rule has an exception, and even doubled pawns can represent a strength under specific circumstances.
Fork: Overload your piece in a good way
A fork is a strategy commonly used in chess, whereby a single piece is used to attack two or more opposing pieces simultaneously. The primary objective of the attacker is to capture at least one of the targeted pieces, and it is often challenging for the defender to counteract every threat.
Deflection: Target the overloaded pieces
The deflection tactic is a powerful tool in a chess player’s arsenal. By distracting your opponent’s pieces and diverting their attention away from their intended goal, you can gain a significant advantage on the board.
Overloading: Who watches the watchers?
Overloading is often used with other tactics, such as pins, forks, or discovered attacks, to create a powerful combination that can win material or force a decisive advantage. It is an important concept to understand for intermediate and advanced players, and is often used in high-level chess games.
Windmill: Grind up your opponent’s defenses
A windmill, also known as a seesaw, is a strategic maneuver in chess where a player repeatedly captures their opponent’s pieces while also setting up a sequence of checks that can’t be avoided.
Pawn Storm: A direct way to break through enemy defenses
The success of a pawn storm depends on several factors, including the position of the opponent’s pieces, the strength of their pawn structure, and the timing of the attack. A well-timed pawn storm can be devastating, as it can force the opponent to make difficult decisions and create weaknesses that can be exploited.
The Exchange Office: Sacrifice a rook for a minor piece
The exchange sacrifice can be a risky move, as the rook is typically considered to be more valuable than a minor piece. However, it can also be a powerful tactic when used effectively, and is often employed by experienced players as a surprise attack or to gain a decisive advantage in a critical position.