With the Tactics Trainer, I understand what being tactical is. I hope this is not a hair-splitting exercise - but can a chess player be solely tactical or solely positional ? Apparently, Mikhail Tal is a brilliant tactician ( I think for this, he was called the Magic of Riga ) but does it mean he threw caution to the wind with his pawn structure, etc. things that positional play emphasize ? On the other hand, Karpov is apparently positional - he will manoeuvre and manoeuvre until he gets the situation he desires - but does it mean he forgo tactical opportunities ?

I am curious because I like to know what these styles of play are - and also largely to understand what kind of player I am. I don't often do fancy stuff like X-ray, deflection, etc and my games get drawn out to many moves ( or maybe I just don't know what I am doing or maybe just waiting for the right opportunity ) - does that mean I am more inclined towards positional play ( ha ha - I know it may not be necessarily true as I may just be bumbling along ).

 I haven't come across a book examining this aspect of chess play so what do you think ? 

 

 

 

 

I'd say, don't get bogged down in these terms.  When you say the term Chess Master,  understand that it means someone who has a mastership of the game. This means in all areas.  Masters considered tactical players are excellent positional players and Masters considered positionally inclined  must be excellent tacticians.   Other distinguishing terms apply also.   Both Karpov and Petrosian, noted for their positonal/defensive  abilities, were  great attackers while Morphy and Alekhine, known for their attacks, were great defenders.

 

Some players prefer open games which are more tactical in nature; some prefer closed games which require good positional sense.  Possibly their preferences more than any particular dominant skill might define Masters as tactically or positionally oriented.

> Can a chess player be solely tactical or solely positional ?

 

Yes, but only at a lower levels of chess. 

Thanks batgirl, likesforests - yea, I shouldn't pigeonhole someone just because they were described to be a certain way. I understand better now.

sometimes the best offence is a good defence..or the other way around...