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When To Trade

When To Trade

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sleepyporcyy
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What is a trade in chess?

A series of moves where two players capture each other's pieces, usually pieces with equal points, is a trade.

An example for a trade would be this position:

But some trades aren't good (the above example isn't lol). So in this blig, I will explain when and when not to trade your pieces.

An Example

So, in the Sicilian opening, this is a common position:

And in this position, it is common for White to play d4 and trade the d-pawn with the c-pawn.

This is a good trade for both Black and White. White gets an active Knight, and Black trades a flank pawn for a center pawn.

But now another trade is possible. The Black Knight can be traded for the White Knight. But that trade is a bad trade.

Now, Black has no development and White's Queen is developed (and no one can attack it now). So Black has just helped White.

Another example

That is not a good trade. You trade your dark-squared bishop, for absolutely no reason and you help Black get their Queen out.
Bishop and Knight trades
75% of the time, you shouldn't trade a Bishop for a Knight. You need to have a tangible and good reason to do it and if you do it, you need to be able to adjust the Pawn structure accordingly and not open the position up in a bad manner for yourself. 
Here is a good Bishop for Knight trade:
In the above position, White wants to go to d5 (an outpost). So, they can trade the Bishop for Black's Knight and occupy it.
What about trading a bishop for another bishop?
In the above example, White can play Bh6, forcing Black to decide. Black can either castle and protect the Bishop or can trade with White.

If Black were to trade (like above), White would be better. Now, Black cannot castle Kingside and the White Queen can pose some threats to Black.

When to Trade

  • If trading the piece gives you an advantage
  • You should try to trade good pieces, for bad pieces. 
  • If it can tame your opponents attack.
    If it can remove a defending piece when you are attacking (only if, after the trade, you still have an attack)
  • If the trade might help you in the endgame
  • If you are winning you can trade to simplify.
  • Another thing to note is that in a trade, you want to give less, but take more.

While trading, you should always think for the future as well. For example;

In the above example, as White, we have a bishop. Our Bishop isnt bad, but it also isnt very good. So, it would be good to trade the bishop for the black knight, as the black knight has an outpost (d4). 
When not to trade
  • If you are wasting moves by trading.
  • If the trade helps your opponent by trading.
  • If your pieces are more active than your opponents pieces.

A question


In the above position, would you (as Black) trade your Queen with White's Queen?
Tell me in the comments :0
Have a good day! (: