What is Chess Strategy ?
Tactics teaches the use of armed forces in the engagement; strategy the use of engagement for the object of war.
A famous story circulates about a European chess grandmaster losing to a New York amateur who claimed to have planned only "the right move" each turn. This raises an interesting question: is chess just about finding the right move every time?
The answer is both yes and no. While finding the right move in each position is crucial, doing so requires long-term strategic thinking. Since Steinitz, the first world champion, it’s been known that good moves are rooted in solid strategy. Chess blends short-term tactics with long-term plans; one without the other is insufficient.
Defining chess strategy is complex. Most literature covers specific aspects like space advantage or pawn structure. However, a broader framework is needed to organize these elements and guide practical play.
Strategy isn’t just for chess; it’s vital in business and warfare too. These fields have developed extensive strategic models, which can inform chess strategy. The following chapters will further explore this framework with practical examples.
Karpov's flawless positional performance offers several key lessons in chess strategy:
-Multiple Strategic Plans: Karpov employed several plans: closing the center and shifting the battle to the flanks, fighting for the a-file, opening a second flank, and transferring his bishop to pave the way for a decisive move.
-Flexibility in Planning: Unlike amateurs who follow a single plan, grandmasters are ready to change their plans based on the evolving game situation.
-Opponent's Influence: A chess game’s outcome is heavily influenced by the opponent's moves. Strategy involves continuously adapting to the opponent's actions, much like business strategy requires adapting to competitors.
Kenichi Ohmae highlights that strategy is all about competitive advantage. In chess, strategic positions are uncertain and depend on both players’ choices, whereas technical positions have a predictable outcome if played correctly.
The debate in business between 'intended' and 'emergent' strategy applies to chess as well. Players cannot anticipate all responses, so many planned strategies are not realized. Instead, new strategic possibilities continuously emerge. Grandmasters excel at recognizing these opportunities and adapting their plans.
In practice, deciding when to focus on long-term strategy versus concrete calculations depends on the position's complexity. Simple positions require technical accuracy, while complex ones demand tactical precision. Sudden shifts in position nature can be challenging, even for strong players. For instance, after a strategic advance, Karpov had to switch to precise calculation to secure his win, demonstrating the importance of adapting to changing circumstances in both chess and business strategy.
Inspired by Foundations of Chess Strategy -- Lars Bo Hansen
