How to Play Positional Chess

Positional chess relies on long-term strategies.

Positional chess is about control, planning and pressure. While tactical chess depends on quick methodical attacks, positional chess is about analytically breaking a position down. Positional chess requires the ability to plan carefully. It also requires reducing the number of positional options that an opponent has. This means that pieces must be developed with a long-term goal in mind.

Things You'll Need

• Understanding algebraic notation

Instructions

1. 

   Always play chess with a plan.

   Start the game by employing three opening principles that must be used to play positional chess. First, develop a d or e file pawn to a central square. Second, quickly develop the knights and bishops to squares that either defend the central pawn, control central squares or both. Lastly, castle early to ensure the king's safety.

2. 

   Pawns are crucial pieces that come in handy when extra protection is needed.

   Create good pawn structure early in the game. When developing pawns in the opening, use pawn chains to advance the pawns toward the other side. Avoid isolated pawns that are subject to capture because no immediate protection is available to them. Use pawns to protect minor and major pieces in the middle game.

3. 

   Always consider the entire board, not just the center.

   Examine the entire board before making any move. Beginners tend to focus on the center of the board. Many attacks, especially those by bishops, rooks and the queen, can come from the opposite side of the board, out of the player's immediate line of sight. Look at each of an opponent's pieces, no matter where they are, and note the squares they attack or control.

4. 

   Use tactics such as the fork to gain material in the middle game.

   Plan a smooth transition into the middle game. Too many beginners start with a decent opening only to have it fall apart when starting the middle game. The minor pieces should be positioned on squares that attack or control as much of the board's center as possible. Bring the rooks to open central files at the start of the middle game.

5. Build up pressure on an opponent's position before attacking. Too many beginners try to win material with a lone piece. Use pieces in combination with one another. Before attacking, position at least two pieces within striking range of the target piece. Use one of those pieces to back up the attacking piece as well as cut off any potential escape squares.

6. 

   Do not go for quick victories.

   Play the game for the long run. Do not play for quick checkmates or fast endings. Take the time necessary to set up positions that will maintain long-term pressure. Placing a bishop on a long diagonal puts pressure on any piece landing on that diagonal. The bishop is putting pressure on the diagonal squares and limits an opponent's choice of safe squares.

7. Exchange material for the right reasons. Only exchange material if the exchange is even, the exchange wins a more valuable piece or the exchange garners a better position. Never trade for lesser valued pieces unless ahead in material.

8. Think ahead at least two moves. Before making a move, imagine what an opponent's response will be to that move.

References

• Chess Guru: The Middle Game
• Franosch: Chess Tutorial Links
• Chess for All Ages: Maximize the Usefulness of Your Moves