Opening Chess Moves And Pawns
Pawns are the most underestimated players in the opening chess moves of novice players. Beginners usually consider them immediately expendable and in the way. On the contrary, pawns are an absolute necessity in proper board position.
A number of pawns collaborating on a chess board in formation are what openings are all about. While they are certainly laying the groundwork for the major pieces, they are ultimately also setting up a player's defense. Knowing a few strategies can help advance your opening moves during a chess game.
Pawn Formations
During an opening, there are two variations involving pawns. These are either referred to as open or closed formations. An open formation has the benefit of allowing other major pieces to advance. The downside is in allowing an open pathway for a potential threat. A closed variation involves a higher level of defense. Your pieces are highly protected and less aggressive but can become trapped and have a difficult time proceeding aggressively. Before deciding which tactic you will use, it is always good to know what your opponent is planning. By analyzing their opening or general game style you can guard against a predictable threat.
Pawn Chains
If you have a pawn chain established, remember to always try and keep it in tact. Having unprotected pawns in your opening will allow your opponent access to other pieces and your king.
To break down your opponents' pawn chain, always go for the base. The base of the chain is the weakest link and isolates the others from protection while clearing a path for your offense. It may be necessary to utilize other major pieces such as your knight in order to destroy a pawn chain.
Avoid Unwarranted Sacrifices
Although pawns sometimes seem to be simply in the way of your offense, you should avoid sacrificing them unnecessarily. A pawn not only is beneficial in defending your other pieces but can also assist in end game strategies as well as pawn promotions. Don't fall into the trap of allowing a pawn to be captured just to remove it from the path of another piece. Always make sure a sacrifice is going to further advance your game and will cause more damage to your opponents' defense then to yours.
En Passant
En Passant is a French term which means €in passing€. It is an advanced chess move which most novice players are unaware of. Historically, en passant became a solution after the 15th century when players realized pawns were able to sneak by an enemy file on an adjacent file.
There are a few conditions which may be established prior to playing out an en passant. First the capturing pawn must be on its fifth rank. The opponent must have moved a pawn two squares, landing the pawn directly alongside the capturing pawn. The capture must be made immediately or the chance to capture en passant will be forfeit.
An example of en passant is where blacks' pawn has just moved from c7 to c5 landing next to whites' d5. If white chooses, he may capture blacks pawn by moving his pawn to c6 capturing the pawn as if it had only moved one square.
Although en passant is typically seen more often in middle game offense, it is important to be aware of the rule so your opening moves can adjust accordingly if you plan to use this skill.
The best chess players know the value of their pawn game and know how to best utilize these foot soldiers. Knowing the abilities and formations of these pieces will help you to improve your opening chess moves and provide a sound defense to block any opponent.
A number of pawns collaborating on a chess board in formation are what openings are all about. While they are certainly laying the groundwork for the major pieces, they are ultimately also setting up a player's defense. Knowing a few strategies can help advance your opening moves during a chess game.
Pawn Formations
During an opening, there are two variations involving pawns. These are either referred to as open or closed formations. An open formation has the benefit of allowing other major pieces to advance. The downside is in allowing an open pathway for a potential threat. A closed variation involves a higher level of defense. Your pieces are highly protected and less aggressive but can become trapped and have a difficult time proceeding aggressively. Before deciding which tactic you will use, it is always good to know what your opponent is planning. By analyzing their opening or general game style you can guard against a predictable threat.
Pawn Chains
If you have a pawn chain established, remember to always try and keep it in tact. Having unprotected pawns in your opening will allow your opponent access to other pieces and your king.
To break down your opponents' pawn chain, always go for the base. The base of the chain is the weakest link and isolates the others from protection while clearing a path for your offense. It may be necessary to utilize other major pieces such as your knight in order to destroy a pawn chain.
Avoid Unwarranted Sacrifices
Although pawns sometimes seem to be simply in the way of your offense, you should avoid sacrificing them unnecessarily. A pawn not only is beneficial in defending your other pieces but can also assist in end game strategies as well as pawn promotions. Don't fall into the trap of allowing a pawn to be captured just to remove it from the path of another piece. Always make sure a sacrifice is going to further advance your game and will cause more damage to your opponents' defense then to yours.
En Passant
En Passant is a French term which means €in passing€. It is an advanced chess move which most novice players are unaware of. Historically, en passant became a solution after the 15th century when players realized pawns were able to sneak by an enemy file on an adjacent file.
There are a few conditions which may be established prior to playing out an en passant. First the capturing pawn must be on its fifth rank. The opponent must have moved a pawn two squares, landing the pawn directly alongside the capturing pawn. The capture must be made immediately or the chance to capture en passant will be forfeit.
An example of en passant is where blacks' pawn has just moved from c7 to c5 landing next to whites' d5. If white chooses, he may capture blacks pawn by moving his pawn to c6 capturing the pawn as if it had only moved one square.
Although en passant is typically seen more often in middle game offense, it is important to be aware of the rule so your opening moves can adjust accordingly if you plan to use this skill.
The best chess players know the value of their pawn game and know how to best utilize these foot soldiers. Knowing the abilities and formations of these pieces will help you to improve your opening chess moves and provide a sound defense to block any opponent.
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