Random Thoughts on Chess Improvement: Part II - The Center

Aron Nimzowitsch's My System was one of the first chess books I read. I'll focus on one of his lessons here. It may be a bit old, but it is intuitive and these lessons can be applied. 

In his book My System, Aron Nimzowitsch challenges the reader to imagine the center four squares of the chessboard (e4, e5, d4, d5) as the top of the hill. Whoever controls the top of the hill controls the game. 

-The arrangement in these four squares can be either fixed or fluid. If pawns are locked, it is fixed. If captures are possible, the situation is fluid.

-Pawn storms will be much more effective if the center is locked. Pawn storms serve a purpose just by gaining space. It is easier to manuever and form plans when you have more space, and it constricts your opponent.

-Example: If you're white and have pawns on e4 and d5 (in a fixed structure) your main play is on the kingside -- the direction your pawns are facing determines where the play will be to your advantage. If you can lock up the queenside and push your kingside advantage it'll be an easy game for you. 

-If the center is fluid, it's more nuanced. It's like an equilibrium. You could choose to break it, or so could your opponent. The question is to whose advantage it is. Look for ways to resolve it to your advantage and to limit your opponent from breaking it to their advantage. Generally speaking, if you're white you're looking to maintain control and if you're black you're looking to break down white's control. 

Important: If you are black, and your opponent has two pawns in the center, say, on e4 and d4, your main objective is to break that down whether through pawns or piece play. Ideally try to get in ...e5 and ...d5 to challenge white assuming you can do it safely. Otherwise white will likely run you over. 

In sum, whoever controls the top of the hill/the center will have the easier game in the middle game. Nimzo says you can control the center through either pawns or pieces, and if your opponent has a minor piece in the center that may be very difficult for you and you often need to work to dislodge it, especially if it's a knight. 

It may not be stockfish, but Nimzo's lessons maintain their relevance. 

Until next time.