3 Types of Key Positions
Chess commentators often say "This is a key position" but what exactly is a key position? These are the most important positions in chess games. However, the best move isn't always clear in these positions, so the next move should be well thought out. Here are the three types of key positions:
- Sharp positions where you must find the right defense, or you're doomed.
- Positions where a win can be accomplished, but it's hard to find.
- Quiet positions in need of a plan.
Let's talk about the first one. If an opponent has a good attack or well-placed pieces, then you could find yourself on the edge of losing. So, it's important that you find the right move to stay in the game.
In the game below, GM Boris Spassky found himself on the edge of a cliff in a world championship match! Only 23... Qf6! would've saved his position, but he didn't find it.
Another type of key positions is one where a win can be found. With active pieces and good positional understanding, you may find yourself in a position where you have a feeling that there's a way to win. This can range from a cool tactic to a strong attack. If you feel like there's a winning move hiding in there, there probably is. Trust your gut and go for the win.
Below, the right move wasn't that hard to find, but I spent apparently spent a minute trying to find it. White has just played Ne5?! and there's a strategical move for Black. (Hint: It's not really a tactic.)
However, not all key positions are incredibly sharp. Some positions are very quiet but are in need of a plan. It's up to you to weigh out you advantages and disadvantages and find out what to do.
"If you don't know what the plan is, if you can't lecture about the imbalances, then why are you moving?"
- IM Jeremy Silman (@Silman), How to Reassess Your Chess
In the position below from Bobby Fischer's My 60 Memorable Games, Fischer (White) was in a key position, where b4! was the correct move. He didn't get it at first, but his opponent didn't realize either, so he played it later on.
These three types of positions happen in nearly all chess games. Whenever you reach one, you should spend time to think out your next move (unless you have a minute on your clock). Lookout for these in your games and be careful.
Revised by the admins of Scholar's Mates https://www.chess.com/club/scholars-mates
