Traps, Tricks & Mistakes: Hurried Attack

The goal in chess is to checkmate the opponent’s king. Players choose the openings according to their style, the prospect of playing an attacking game or the knowledge they have about openings.

The development of pieces is the most convenient aspect of most openings and the attack must start only when there are enough resources available.

However, sometimes is not necessary to wait until all pieces are developed. For example, when the opponent plays a move not in accordance with the position, it creates a weakness. This weakness means the advantage to take the initiative.

The following game is a typical example in which White exploits the advantage after the opening to move immediately to a favourable middle game.

Although Black’s 9th move was a strategic mistake, it does not mean that that advance is always bad. In this example, it was bad because it meant a loss of time that accelerated White’s plan.

Understanding chess positions is a step to mastery.

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