Hi. Everyone talks of position but how do you tell which is better?

practice makes perfect and pater recognition

well in the beggining of the game I guess it is who has more controle of the board eg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

white has control of more squares and has beveloped his pieces.

hope this has helped

At which point does a good opening position like the one above become the middle game?

Also - lately - I seem to be getting myself into some good positions - up in material and controlling the middle of the board BUT unable to finish off... any suggestions?

just see what the opponent wants to do and then plan your move

You have to question how a chess game is won, and then put the position up against this idea. If your position contains no trace of the elements needed to win a chess game, then it could be said to be bad. If your position does contain the elements needed to win, then it could be said to be good. If I'm playing baseball, and the bat is at my ankles out of my hands, I will have a hard time winning, which would be a bad batting 'position'. Now, if I have the bat firmly in hand, my eyes focused on the pitcher, and my stance is good, then I have a good batting 'position'. Will I hit the ball 100% of the time? Of course not. Can we calculate 100% of our chess variations to perfection? Of course not. But what we can do is study the mechanics of winning a chess game, learn how to use our pieces to their full potential, and try and arrange our pieces in the most efficient 'position' each and every move.

Theres just no concrete answer to the question. There are numerous variables. Looking at imbalances is a good place to start.

Thanks you guys helped me alot.

How to judge a position and determine which is better... Analyze and study the position. It is usually fairly obvious. If your position has weakness', holes, lack of development, threatened pieces, weak pawns, cramped position or no control of the Center, you may not have the Best Position!

A good position has advantages... This can be in Time with superior development. This can be with Space and having control of more of the Board especially the Center. This can be with Momentum and having better moves and threats available. Just having a more solid position free from weakness' while your opponent has organic problems e.g. backward pawns or holes can be a big advantage.

Does your Position match your Plan? If you have a plan, e.g. Kingside attack and your opponent doesn't, chances are your position will be better.

Hope this Helps.

 I guess just use patterns and try to get conrol of the center.

the magic of the board like; life keeps on changing ,

we win. we lose '   end game play;';'

It's tough to really give a straight answer w/o being too wordy. There are entire books on that subject. A list can help tell you what to look for. Some things to watch in the position: 1. King Safety 2.Pawn Structure & Distribution 3.Piece Coordination & Distribution 4.Unprotected Pawns/Pieces 5.Weak Squares 6.Prophylaxis (What would my opponent do?)

chess is brain majic