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What are the best methods for taking the initiative in the middle game of chess?
Assuming their is no immediately available tactical shot that wins material, how does one seek to gain or retain the initiative in the middle game? My coach recently said that I should consider this question because I need to improve this area of my game. My outline of ideas is below. Additions or other constructive criticisms are welcome.
1. Look for forcing moves that create an advantage in mobility, space, time, and/or pawn structure.
2. Look for double threats that create an advantage in mobility, space, time, and/or pawn structure.
3. Identify weaknesses your opponent's position and freeze them in place.
4. If a piece or pawn of yours are under attack, seek to respond in the following order:
a) counter-attack by moving the piece or pawn under attack;
b) counter-attack with a different piece or pawn;
c) move the piece or pawn to safety;
d) defend the piece or pawn;
e) interpose another piece or pawn to block the attacker.
5. Don't overlook the possibility of sacrificing a piece or an exchange.
Cheers. Thanks in advance.
I am thinking that I need to add Vukovic's idea of a focal point, so item three (a) might become.
3 (a) Identify and attack weak squares that are appropriate focal points.
2 Answers
- ?Lv 58 years agoFavorite Answer
Obtaining an initiative occurs when you create two (or more!) threats and the opponent can only defend one at a time. With cumulative threats, you have the freedom to make any move you wish; the opponent is forced to defend and has no time to further his own plans. Cecil Purdy (1st World Corres. Chess Champion) offered two pearls of wisdom: "when you find a good move, look for an even better one," and "look for moves that smite." Playing moves that accomplish multiple tasks is the key to seizing/increasing the initiative. This mindset (looking for moves that smite) can be learned, just like an "eye" for tactical combinations or mating attacks.
Checklists are fine but if they are too detailed they become impractical otb. When you've analyzed a position and found a candidate move, apply the two Purdy maxims. If you settle for obvious or routine replies you'll never find those "killer moves."
- USAFisnumber1Lv 78 years ago
No mention of a PIN. A pin is when you pin down a piece between one of your attacking pieces and something of greater value to him or the king.
For example. You got a bishop and you line it up so it is attacking his knight. But he can not move the knight out of the way because it is blocking your bishop attack on his queen. If he moves the knight he loses the queen. Or even better, you have his queen pined because behind it is his king. He can not move the queen at all..