Mastering the "Boring": How to Dominate Simple Positions
Dear Chess Friends!
Simple positions terrify club players. No tactics? No fireworks? Just pure strategy? That’s where real chess mastery begins. In my workshop "How to Play Simple Positions,".
Watch the full recording here... and explore these 3 game fragments in strategic patience.
What Makes a Position "Simple"?
"Simple" means no forced tactics – but never easy. These positions demand mastery of:
- Pawn structure: Weaknesses (backward, isolated pawns) become fatal.
- Piece quality: Two bishops in open positions > knights.
- King activity: The ultimate endgame weapon.
- Prophylaxis: Anticipating enemy plans before they form.
3 Game Fragments That Teach Everything
1. Kotov vs. Kashdan (1945)
- Key Lesson: Pawn Structure Warfare
- 16.Na5! – Targeting queenside weaknesses in the enemy camp.
- Kotov’s plan: Trade a/b-pawns to create a winning 5v4 endgame.
- Takeaway: Attack weaknesses, not pieces.
2. Keres vs. Ivkov (1970)
- Key Lesson: King Marching Orders
- 22.Rf3! – Taking control over the only open file.
- 30.Rf7! – Invading when Black’s pieces lost coordination.
- Takeaway: In endgames, a bishop pair may seriously restrict enemy pieces
3. Karpov vs. Gheorghiu (1977)
- Key Lesson: The Art of Accumulation
- 23.Nce2! – Repositioning knights like chess cannons.
- 39.fxe6! – Converting space into a decisive passed pawn or a discovered attack on the king.
- Takeaway: Improve all pieces before striking.
Your Simple Position Toolkit
When Attacking:
- Detect weaknesses (backward pawns, weak squares)
- Restrict enemy pieces (Kotov’s 19.Bh2!)
- Trade to amplify advantages (Karpov's bishop for knight trade)
When Defending:
- Eliminate weaknesses (trade weak pawns!)
- Trade active enemy pieces
- Create counter-weaknesses (Ivkov’s ...h3! distraction)
If you would like to participate in our next event in live, you can register here: https://chesslance.com/masterclass/
Your participation is absolutely free.
Keep it simple. Win with clarity.
FM Viktor Neustroev
