Geometrically Invisible Moves: Finding Hidden Chess Tactics

Geometrically Invisible Moves: Finding Hidden Chess Tactics

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Dear Chess Friends!

Chess is a geometry-rich game, with straight lines, diagonals, and intersections allowing for tactical strikes.  However, players frequently overlook these hidden geometric possibilities, particularly in overcrowded positions where the role of each line is not immediately evident. During my recent chess session, "Geometrically Invisible Moves," we discussed how to find these unexpected maneuvers and turn them into winning advantages.

Understanding Geometrically Invisible Moves

Players frequently overlook techniques because of established thinking processes.  Our minds are accustomed to typical movements, making it difficult to accept unconventional or backward operations, especially in complex positions.  To recognize such maneuvers, we must consciously train ourselves to think outside of usual tactical patterns.

Types of Geometrically Invisible Moves:

  • Piece Transfers Between Flanks: Moves that move a piece from one side of the board to the other, often catching your opponent off guard.
  • Retreating moves involve returning a piece to a prior or less obvious square for tactical purposes.
  • Penetrative Strikes are moves that appear to "pierce" through opposing lines unexpectedly.
  • Multi-move Linear Maneuvers: Sequences that use straight-line geometry for tactical purposes.
  • "Ugly" Moves: Moves that appear awkward, like as briefly obstructing your own pieces, yet serve an important tactical function.
  • Complex Knight Maneuvers: Multi-step knight maneuvers including multiple tactical threats that opponents find difficult to predict.

Unlike computers, people frequently overlook certain unorthodox maneuvers. Developing your capacity to see these maneuvers requires regular practice with thematic tactical puzzles and instructional games.

Enhance your tactical vision

If you missed my workshop, you can still improve your chess thinking by seeing it online. I've shown six informative examples that clearly demonstrate the fundamentals of geometrically unseen moves:

I've also included a PGN file with these examples. Analyzing these game fragments will considerably improve your tactical ingenuity and awareness of hidden geometric possibilities.

1) Ivanchuk, Vassily - Svidler, Peter
2) Jussupow, Artur - Kortschnoj, Viktor
3) Kasimdzhanov, Rustam - Topalov, Veselin
4) Levitt, Jonathan - Speelman, Jonathan S
5) Morozevich, Alexander - Movsesian, Sergei
6) Bogdanov, Oleksi - Tischbierek, Raj

To further sharpen your chess skills, I invite you to join my latest series of group lessons—"Improve Your Endgame Technique". Master the endgame strategies essential for converting your advantages into victories!

🔗 Improve Your Endgame Technique – Join Now!

Remember, tactical mastery often comes down to seeing what others overlook. Train yourself to spot the invisible, and watch your chess results improve dramatically.

Good luck on your geometric chess journey!
FM Viktor Neustroev

Hi!
My name is Victor Neustroev. I'm a FIDE Master with Elo rating 2305.


Experienced chess coach specializing in tactics and openings. An author of educational chess courses on different learning platforms.

The coach of the champion of Siberia among girls under 9!

Affordable rates! A test lesson is also possible!

I'm 34. I live in Russia, Novosibirsk. I learned to play chess when I was 5. I regularly won prizes at Novosibirsk region Championship and Siberia Chess Championship among juniors. I'm a champion of Novosibirsk City Chess Club at 2002 and a champion of Novosibirsk at 2019.


I got Master's Degree in Economics at Novosibirsk State University and also played for its chess team.


Today I am focusing on teaching chess online and offline. The reason why I do this is because I feel happy when see how my students achieve success.

 

I teach juniors since 2002. Almost all of my students were ranked. Some of them got prizes at Novosibirsk region Championship.
I also work with adults.

 

I will teach you how to find tactical strikes in certain position types and how to classify them. I can help you to improve you calculational ability. I also teach you chess openings and I believe you know how important they are. According to the statistics right-playing of the opening makes from 30 to 60% of your success (the exact number depends on your level).
Please, check my youtube videos to know how I teach and what you will achieve working with me.