Chess Tricks Forks

March 17th, 2012

Once a person knows how to set the board and how the pieces move, it is time to learn a few chess tricks. One of the best chess tricks is a fork. A fork is when one piece is able to threaten two of the opponent’s pieces at the same time. A good piece to use to make a fork is the knight because the knight can sneak up on other pieces. The problem with a fork is that the player may not even recognize they have that opportunity themselves especially if they are beginners.

chess tricks

Remember that a knight moves in an ‘L’ shaped pattern, either two squares up or down and one square left or right or vice versa. On an empty board, it might be easy to spot that if the knight is at e4, that he is threatening the queen at g5 and the king f6. Obviously the opponent will need to move the king out of check into a position that would take the knight if the knight takes the queen. Sacrificing a knight for the opponent’s queen is a fair trade and for some a good trade, but it is better if your attack to both pieces does not involve losing one of your own. In a full board, the king might not be able to move to protect the queen, or he might be unable to move at all which would result in a checkmate.

Pawns can create forks because there are so many of them, and it is worth losing one pawn to set up a fork with another one. The thing that throws off the beginner when watching for a pawn fork is that the pawn move forward one square at a time but captures on the diagonal. Having a pawn sitting in front of one piece seems safe, but the player must watch the squares the pawn can capture to make sure none of their powerful pieces get side swiped.

Bishops and rooks can also create forks but their power is limited. Rooks can only move in the files and ranks and bishops can only move on the diagonals. But once the protecting pawns start to fall and more clear space is created on the board, it is easier to spot when two of the opponent’s pieces might be in the line of the rook or in the diagonals of a bishop at the same time.

The queen is used properly can fork from almost any square on the board due to her ability to move along ranks, files, and diagonals. On every move a player should check to see if any of his pieces can set up or be taken by a fork. Many chess tricks make the game more fun.

Technorati Tags:

Tags:
Posted in chess tricks | No Comments »

Chess Setup The Beginning

March 3rd, 2012

The best place to start when thinking of playing chess is the chess setup specifically starting with the chess board. The chess board is 64 squares, 8 squares high by 8 squares wide with alternating light and dark squares. Many chess boards are black and white squares but this is not always the case especially with custom sets. It is important that a beginner should realize that the it is important to set the board correctly in order to study moves as they are called by a book, instructor, or a player that is not necessarily in the same place.

chess setup

The lower right hand corner as the white player sits must be white and the left corner must be black as shown. The squares each have a name. The vertical squares are called the file such as the ‘a’ file. The horizontal squares are called the ranks such as the first rank. In spreadsheet terms the rows would be the number ranks and the columns would be the lettered files.

In this way each square can be named by the intersection of the file and rank (or column and row) with the lower right hand corner of the board being white and called “the h1 square” or “h1”. It is often helpful for a beginner to have the files and ranks numbered on the board until they are used to the system. The “h1” is a white square that will have a white piece and will be referred to as the white player. Regardless of the actual color of the pieces or the board the players are always referred to as white and black with the person sitting with the white “h1” square at their right hand being the white player.

Very basic to the game is that white always moves first. The players alternate moves, similar to the child’s game of checkers. Only one move is allowed at a time, and while one player may capture another player’s piece, that player cannot move to a spot already occupied by his own piece. Finally, a player MUST move when it is their turn. They cannot forfeit a move. The strategy of the game is to force the other player into a situation where they no longer have good moves and their king is captured.

The pieces are rooks, knights, bishops, king, queen, and pawns. Being able to know the chess setup of the pieces is imperative to how they are able to move throughout the game.

Technorati Tags:

Tags:
Posted in chess setup | No Comments »

Opening Chess Moves Queens Gambit

February 18th, 2012

There are some opening chess moves that are so famous they actually have names. In Queens Gambit there are two options. There will be a white pawn offered for sacrifice (remember white always moves first). If the white pawn is taken, it is Queens Gambit accepted, if the pawn is not taken it is Queens Gambit Declined.

opening chess moves

For this to begin, the white pawn at d2 is moved to d4. Black will wish to block this pawn by moving their black pawn at d8 to d5. The white pawn from c2 is moved to c4 giving the black pawn d5 the chance to capture it or decline the capture and make another move. The purpose by the white is to try to gain access to the d5 square held by the black pawn. Since it is so obvious right from the start that white would offer a pawn, the wisest move must be NOT to accept it, or is it? That is one of the questions that have plagued chess players for hundreds of years.

If the black pawn at d5 takes the white pawn at c4 and has accepted the gambit and white will generally follow by moving the white pawn at d4 to d5 to hold that center position, however if the black pawn does not capture the white pawn at c4, it is said that the Queens Gambit is declined and the game can proceed in several different ways.  Since black did not capture the white at c4, the next moved is to bring the pawn at e7 to e6. So if white decides to capture the black pawn at d4 it can immediately be captured in return. The idea is to try to get control of the center of the board. The player that has control of the center of the board makes it harder for the opponent to move freely.

Once the pawns are moved, the bishops and knights can be developed (moved) so the king can ‘castle’ to be more protected. This should be accomplished as soon as possible, and can only be done one time per game, per player. The king normally can only be moved one space at a time in any direction, but he is allowed this special move one time per game to protect himself. If the pieces on the back row between the king and a rook are vacant, the king can move two squares to the left or right and then place the rook on the square next to him on the opposite side. This can only be done if the king or the rook has not yet been moved.

Although opening chess moves are predictable, the outcome of the game is still left to the skill of the players.

Technorati Tags:

Tags:
Posted in opening chess moves | No Comments »

The Web As A Chess Teacher

February 4th, 2012

Where can a person find a chess teacher? Where else? On the WEB!

chess teacher

Many people around the world love the game of chess and they have shared their love of chess online. Being able to find a chess teacher is as simple as a few clicks and a search or two. Many sites are free or very low cost and provide excellent advice, videos, audios, and click by click lessons to explain why each move is a good move or a poor one for that matter.

Some people have simply decided that chess is too complicated for them without really trying. The pieces do not all move the same way but that is what holds the player’s attention. Books are written on simply being able to open properly, but some people cannot learn the shorthand notation for chess moves and believe they cannot learn to play chess. This is simply not true.

The web has many tools and many people who want to share what they know as simply as possible. Some web sites will have a graphical board set with movable pieces and will explain to the student step by step if it was the right move or the wrong move and why. Some are audio, some are video, and some are simply text tags to let the student know how they are doing.

Getting pretty good at it? GREAT! Blog after blog have more people 24 hours a day than you can shake a stick at. These people are in all time zones all over the world and are looking for a live person to play a game with. Working on a particular strategy? Trying to figure out what to do if offered the Queen’s Gambit by an opponent? People will talk. People online will share. They simply cannot keep it bottled up inside. The more people they help, the more competitors they have when they can’t sleep and need a chess partner.

Chess is a game of kings and wealthy people of the past. For many years it was thought to only be a game of scholars, intellectuals, and wise men, but anyone who will take the time to can learn to play rather quickly, and learn to play well, over a lifetime. There are online forums for history about the game, about the grandmasters that have shaped it into what it is today, one of the most popular worldwide games in existence. Allow the people on the web to be your chess teacher.

Technorati Tags:

Tags:
Posted in chess teacher | No Comments »

Chess Tricks For The Offensive Player

January 21st, 2012

There are a myriad of chess tricks for the offensive player depending on the scope of game experience and individual may have.  If you are a player who wants to improve or expound upon your offensive strategies; these are a few general tricks to help improve your game.

chess tricks

Opening Moves

As a player, your first offensive approach must begin with your opening move.  It is always best to create an opening scenario where your opponent is immediately put into a defensive mode allowing you an upper hand.  

One of the most offensive openings, generally suited for advanced players is to move your queen out early in the game.  This is a very bold tactic which must be calculated accordingly as not to lose your queen. The goal is to advance to the opponents’ king side of the board targeting the pawn in front of the knight (g7).  Wait for the bishop to be moved out and then make your move.  This will force your opponent to move their pawn thus sending them on the run as they waste moves covering the threat.  This will also alleviate the tension on your queen and you can continue to proceed with further offense.  Be watchful, however, of the scholar’s mate, which is one of the shortest mates possible and involves the capture of the queen if moved out early on.

Board Center

An important trick in chess is to focus on controlling the center of the board.  Maintain ground and advance your pieces such that the files, ranks and diagonals within those four middle squares are in your domination.  As a side, it wasn’t until the 20th century when players and theory learned that occupation and control of the center weren’t one and the same.  

Trading Pieces

Amateur chess players are often leery of losing pieces.  It is a misconception to think that the person with the most pieces on the board wins.  Contrary to this notion, if you are a strong player it is often advisable to sacrifice or trade one piece for another.  Advanced players, confident in their game, will often sacrifice their queen, for example, for another players’ queen.  This will throw an opponent off balance as they scramble to redefine a strategy which doesn’t involve their queen.  If you already have a tactic in place, this trick will allow you an offensive advantage.  Along this same line, sometimes sacrificing a better piece, for example; a knight, in order to capture a pawn can be helpful.  If the pawn is a key element in the defense of the opponents’ king or other pieces, you can literally tear down the wall of their entire defensive structure in this way.  As well as trading pieces, one may also consider an exchange. The term exchange, although often used incorrectly, refers to a specific exchange involving a knight or bishop being traded for a rook.  This is also a probable offensive strategy and mustn’t be confused with a piece trade.  Famous Grandmaster Mikhail Tal was notorious for his sacrificial play.  He became a world chess champion in 1960.  Remember, a good player can obtain check mate with only a queen and a pawn if necessary.  

Controlling Key Squares

Outside of board center, controlling a key square or what’s known as a strategic outpost generally leads to an upgraded placement of attacking pieces.  The best trick is to have a knight occupy this outpost in enemy territory.  You should definitely try to use pieces for this occupation rather that pawns as they will have a larger scope in protecting this area.  By doing so you have created an offensive distraction and laid claim to your opponents own ground.

These are only the beginning of many strategies used by chess Grandmasters to enhance a players’ arsenal.  Playing with offensive chess tricks will give a novice or advanced player the benefit of an advantageous game.

Technorati Tags:

Tags:
Posted in chess tricks | No Comments »

Chess Setup Made Easy

January 7th, 2012

Surprisingly, while chess is a highly strategic game, chess setup is a relatively easy process.  Chess originated from a game which was played in 600 A.D.  in Northern India.  The board was similar but the pieces have since transitioned into a more European version which consists of figures seen in the royal hierarchies in the 15th century.  The game originally was called chaturanga and consisted of six different pieces rather than the 16 we see today.  Chess has always been a great pastime for ancient rulers who used the game to strategies different facets of warfare.  If you are just learning to play chess, this guide will help you learn the simple method of getting your game ready.

chess setup

Board and Placement

A chess board consists of 64 total squares.  There are 32 dark squares and 32 light.  Most beginners don’t know there is a proper way to lay the board.  The board is positioned so that each player has a white corner square on this far right side (“light on right”).

Chess Pieces

Chess consists of 32 pieces.  There are 16 pawns which are the smaller pieces, considered to be the foot soldiers of the game.  There are also 16 major pieces which are bigger in size.  The main pieces, outside of the pawns are 2 rooks which look like castles or towers, 2 knights are next and are horses, 2 bishops which generally have a pointed top, 1 queen and 1 king.  The king generally has a cross at the top and can be described in this way in most Staunton style pieces.  The queen has a crown and is similar in size to the king as both are the dominant pieces in chess.

Piece Placement

Begin your setup by placing the rooks on the back row on the two outside corners to the left and right.  The two knights are placed on the squares next to the rooks.  Next to these are placed the two bishops and, in the center, the queen and king.  The white queen is always positioned on a light square and the black queen on a dark square (“queen on her own color”).  The king will be next to the queen.  The eight pawns are then placed on the squares in the second row in front of these chess pieces.

Once your board is ready you can begin to play this amazing game which has been played for centuries.  The chess setup is just the beginning of exploring the many facets of the ultimate strategy game.

Technorati Tags:

Tags:
Posted in chess setup | No Comments »

Surprising Counters To Opening Chess Moves

December 23rd, 2011

opening chess moves or the first phase of a chess game is important as it sets the tone for the entire game.  Chess is broken down into three elements of game play, namely; opening game, middle game and end game.  There is great significance in creating a counter to common or difficult openings which will not only protect your pieces but surprise your opponent.  Catching them off guard will enable you to run a more offensive strategy as they recover from a tactic they didn’t expect.  Below are examples and variations of a few general openings and the best suited counter.  Some of these counters are less conventional and therefore create an element of surprise forcing an opponent to reconfigure their strategy.

opening chess moves

Queens Pawn Opening
This is a popular choice in openings among average chess players and a good one to know how to counter.  The opponent generally will begin the game by advancing the queens’ pawn up two squares (D4) and the kings’ pawn up one square (E3).  The bishop will then be free to be moved out one space (E2) and the knight (kings’ side) out (F3).  This allows the opponents king to castle.

Counter
One way to counter this opening; bring the queen side bishop out to pin the rook by way of the knights pawn square (B7) on the second move.  This will either prevent the king from castling as the bishop cannot be moved out.  If the bishop is moved to say (E2) on the opponents side, your bishop can take the pawn (G2) forcing a sacrifice to break down his wall.  The sacrifice is not one your opponent will expect and this will throw them off guard.  Also, if the opponent is white this will allow black to be one move back up.  The bishop does not have to make the sacrifice but simply can remain in control of the entire diagonal line, keeping the opponent on the defensive.  

Kings’ Knight Variation of English Opening
A kings’ knight variation opening is a difficult opening where the opponent will immediately begin advancing the king side knight (G1) across the board.  The goal will be to capture the pawn in front of the opponents king side bishop (F7) which can be done in three moves.  This creates a difficult situation as the king has no choice but to forfeit his ability to castle and take the knight, thus moving out into the open.  

Counter
Since this opening can happen quickly it is imperative to immediately respond to this threat.  There are a couple of different counters for this opening.  The first counter would be to move the bishops’ pawn on the king side out one space (F6).  This will protect the squares (E5 and G5) from the knight.  This will put you on the defense until you are able to castle but protects the space threatened by the knight.  From here, work on castling your king on the queens side.

The other more risky counter for an advanced player would be to bring the king out and advance him if the knight makes it all the way down to the pawn (F6).  As the king will have no other choice but to take the knight, advancing him toward the opponent is an unusual approach.  This would threaten the opponents’ pawns and creates a focus on attacking the king.  In the meantime bring in other pieces to protect the king and control the board center.  This will allow you switch to offense while the opponent is still recovering from the bold move.

Kings Side Bishop Opening
This opening pins the knights’ pawn and rook as they are unable to move until the rook is protected.  The bishop will advance (B7) and control the entire diagonal creating an immediate defense for the opponent.  Most likely the king will castle or plan to castle on the kings side.  

Counter
Bring the knight down to eventually end up at (G5).  Also begin advancing the pawns (G2 and H2) to end up at (G3 and H4) this will protect the knight and force a collapse on the pin.  While the king may have castled, the knight is available to take the rooks pawn (after the castle, H7) this will remove the kings’ protective wall and will force the king to take the knight.  This sacrifice forces the king out into the open and the opponent has been forced into defense.

Although there are many variations of chess moves; if an opponent begins in any of these patterns, you will be able to immediately begin a counter to prevent the inevitable outcome they may be planning.  Trading pieces is a surprising technique which the average player is not expecting and thus causes an immediate defense as the opponent will be struggling to create a new plan.  When playing opening chess moves, study as many variables and outcomes as possible to perfect your game.

Technorati Tags:

Tags:
Posted in opening chess moves | No Comments »

Why A Parent Makes The Best Chess Teacher For Children

December 10th, 2011

Due to the amount of time and patience it takes to learn the game of chess, parents often make the best chess teacher for children.  Chess is a highly cerebral game involving memorization, strategy and mathematical principals.  A child is capable of learning basic chess moves and set up as early as age two and if instructed properly can begin advanced game play by the age of eight or nine.

chess teacher

If you are a parent who already knows how to play, it is of great benefit to your Childs learning to teach them chess.  If you’ve never played, don’t worry, there is a wealth of simple information available and you and your child can learn together.  Most adults who play chess learned it from a parent or relative and developed a passion for the game early on.

Beginning young; it helps to start by introducing your child to the chess board and pawns.  Show them how a pawn moves and navigates the board.  Play a pawn game only and make it fun, perhaps naming your pawns and giving character to their battles.  As your child grows and understands the concepts of how these pieces move, start introducing them to other pieces and the concept of protecting the king.  Children love fairy tale stories of kings and queens and knights in battle so use this to make the game more real and more fun for them.  Bringing in the rooks first is always helpful as they are the easiest major piece to explain.  A rook has a simple back and forth, side to side style movement which children remember.  Once your child has mastered the movements of the pieces you can begin to develop them for strategic play.  Set up small scenarios; say your knight is threatening a queen, what should they do?  Play out these fun initiatives and watch your Childs analytical prowess blossom as they witness the myriads of choices.

Chess teaches children patience, strategy, mathematical and geometric concepts.  It will also activate a childs ability to memorize basic concepts and can assist in the development of a photographic memory.  A parent is the most suitable companion as they can insure a positive introduction to a complex game.  Chess is a great way to strengthen a childs mind by teaching them how to think.  Research indicates that children who play chess develop strong analytical skills.  Good habits are formed which will help them later in life both socially and academically.

By teaching chess to your child you are insuring they grow up with positive rather than frustrating experiences.  If you have dreams someday of a young chess champion, it will be nice for your child to be able to effectively communicate their future battles with you.  Because you have been their mentor initially, they will lean on you for support and guidance and enjoy sharing their accomplishments.  Having a parent as a chess teacher creates a much more fun and patient learning environment for your family.

Technorati Tags:

Tags:
Posted in chess teacher | No Comments »