Joe Learns Chess. Forcing Moves
CHESS LESSON 1. FORCEFULNESS
The Force chessmen exert can produce different effects with regard to how much harm they inflict on the enemy. We know there are forcing and there are more forcing moves in chess.
This is another idea our mini game can teach the beginner on top of all the benefits already stated at the end of the previous post.
If you think about it, all these benefits the Relations-based method provides (familiarization with basic piece relationships, double attack, geometrical motif, ways of defense, as well as the "watch for threats," and "look for targets" mental procedures) have to do with Force. Forcefulness, as discussed here, is just another aspect of how Force, as the central concept in chess, is used.
Joe's first move when we started playing in Part 1 was 1...Rc8, attacking Bc1; that was a good move. But after White's Bc1 goes to any square, the game continues.
Joe then learned that 1...Ra1 with its tactics of geometrical motif (Averbakh would call it double attack) was a better shot and was actually winning. Ra1 was thus more FORCEFUL.
Joe actually had three kinds of first move of varying strength at his disposal:
a. 1.Rb8 (true the Rook is safe now, otherwise a totally passive move exemplifying the traditional aimless wood-pushing)
b. 1.Rc8 (there is a definite aim here, the attacking contact between two enemy pieces has been made, which forces Bc1 to move; White is unharmed though, the game goes on)
c. 1.Ra1 (the move winning with the use of tactics, geometrical motif; the game is over)
Comparing the three options, the beginner is already getting, at an early stage, at Square One, a feeling of why Ra1 should be a superior move, which brings into focus the idea of (more) forcing moves for him.
Asking subconsciously, "What is the most forcing move in this position?" makes an integral part of a mature chess player's mind set. Down the road our student will learn how the effects of hitting at targets repeatedly are significant as it creates initiative, as well as potential for tactical blows. At the same time, it doesn't allow the opponent respite to make threats on his own. Limiting the enemy's options is one of most important constituents of the winning mindset. Attack, attack, attack has also huge effect as it puts psychological burden on your opponent.
Of course, all these considerations are well beyond the chess entrant's level. I mention it here to indicate the educational potential of our mini game with its Relation-based approach to teaching and learning. It already presents the beginner with an opportunity to meet important chess concepts in their embryonic state from the very Chess Square One...
Next time, I am going to put up two methods of teaching an absolute beginner, Susan Polgar's Learn Chess in 30 Minutes and my Joe Learns Chess with Relations together, for comparison. It would be interesting to see what they teach and how they stack up.
