Scribd
Upload
70 views

Middle Game Basics

The document discusses the basics of the middle game in chess. It recommends centralizing pieces like knights and bishops to control more space. Players should trade flank pawns for opponents' central pawns, which are more valuable. Avoiding weaknesses like doubled or isolated pawns is also important. Occupying open files with rooks and keeping the bishop pair are additional tips provided.

Uploaded by

Dibyendu Konar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
70 views

Middle Game Basics

The document discusses the basics of the middle game in chess. It recommends centralizing pieces like knights and bishops to control more space. Players should trade flank pawns for opponents' central pawns, which are more valuable. Avoiding weaknesses like doubled or isolated pawns is also important. Occupying open files with rooks and keeping the bishop pair are additional tips provided.

Uploaded by

Dibyendu Konar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Middle Game

Basics of Middle Game

In chess, Middle game is the most important phase. In an average the middle game takes
the major time phase in a chess game. The middle game generally decides the status of the
game. So any player has to know the basics of the middle game.

1. Centralize your pieces


It is a well-known fact that in the centerpieces control a lot more squares than elsewhere.
This is an especially important rule to remember when dealing with the knights. The knights
can control as many as 8 squares when centralized, while only 2 square if cornered.

It is true that bishops can be very effective from the flank. However, in the center, they are
more mobile and control both parts of the board. The same goes for the queen. If it is safe,
bishops and queen should be centralized as well as knights.

2. Trade your flank pawns for the central pawns


The central pawns are generally considered to be more valuable than the flank pawns. This
is because central pawns allow controlling important central squares (d4-d5-e4-e5) which
can be used to support pieces and develop a strong attack not only in the center but also
on the king’s or queen’s side. At the same time, central pawns provide space and increase
pieces of mobility.

Therefore, it is recommended not to trade your central pawns for the opponent’s flank
pawns. In fact, you should do the opposite and exchange your flank pawns for the
opponent’s central pawns.

3. Avoid pawn weaknesses


A pawn weakness is something that can give your opponent an instant edge and allow him
an easy game by exploiting them. That is something that can turn an otherwise equal
endgame into a loss. To avoid endgame trouble you need to take care of the pawn structure
right from the opening and middle-game.

Avoid doubled, backward, and isolated pawns.


4. Avoid creating weak squares in your position
A weak square is a square that cannot be protected by a pawn. Weak squares in your
position are perfect candidates for becoming strong outposts for your opponent’s pieces.
The closer the weak square is to your king’s position or to the center, the bigger trouble it
usually creates. Always be careful with pawn advances, since that is what creates the weak
squares. Pawns can’t go back.

5. Always blockade your opponent’s isolated pawn with a knight


An isolated pawn is a powerful weapon and can be used by your opponent to launch a
strong attack because it supports pieces and provides extra space. Another danger of
isolated pawn is that it can be pushed forward at the right time causing many problems.
That’s why it is very important to always blockade the opponent’s isolated pawn to avoid
complications. The best piece for this purpose is indeed the knight.

6. Occupy open files with your rooks


It is no secret that rooks work best on open files.

If there is an open file available your instinctual move should be to occupy the file with your
rook. The next step should be to double your rooks on the open file. If there are no open
files available, you can occupy a semi-open file that you can force open later.

7. Keep the bishop pair


The bishop pair is very powerful in most positions. Only if the position is totally locked up
the two knights may be stronger than a bishop pair. Avoid giving up one of your bishops in
the opening or early middle-game just to create doubled pawns in your opponent’s pawn
structure. In most cases, the attacking potential of the bishop pair overweight the pawn
structure defects.
Middle Game | Bengal Chess Wizard

You might also like