Trading

 Strategy - the magical side of chess.

Trading

Trading (exchanging) pieces and/or pawns is one of the key elements in chess.
Even though not as spectacular as a combination, sometimes it has a similar effect and may constitute an introduction to tactical actions. The goals of trading include:
– gaining the control over certain square(s) by eliminating their defender
– simplifying the position when our opponent has more space or disadvantage,
– eliminating our opponent’s dangerous piece or his king’s defender,
– getting rid of our badly placed piece.

Przewoznik Jan - Sapis Witalis
Katowice (Poland) 1989

Black to move

The position of Black is better due to a pair of bishops and the pressure on the central pawns. The f3 bishop strongly limits the possibilities of white pieces, not only attacking the e4 pawn, but also controlling the d1, e2, and g2 squares. White intends to play Bg5 though, attacking the d8 rook and the f3 bishop. The strongest continuation is therefore 1...Qa6, basically forcing the trade of the queens. In exchange for the destroyed pawn structure, Black gets strong pressure on the b2 pawn, keeping also the bishop on f3.

Tang Andrew - Macieja Bartlomiej
Mashantucket (USA) 2014

Black to move

The capture 1...Nxd3 doesn’t look logical at first sight, as we trade our strong knight for the passive white bishop. However, the trade significantly weakens the white king, the b3 square, and the c4 pawn, what will play the key factor later in the game. It is worth noting, that the remaining dark-square bishop
doesn’t participate either in the attack or in the defense. That’s why White would have preferred to trade the dark-square bishop, though his position would have been worse anyway.

("Chess Strategy Explained"-Bartłomiej Macieja Witalis Sapis- Sawit 2021)

"These strategic manuals by two experienced trainers are a must for any instructor! 
I recommend using them for students with USCF ratings ranging from 1300 to 2500. 
I have read many instructional books since my junior years but never have I come 
across such an easy-to-digest way of presenting examples—only a few moves with 
simple, clear verbal explanations of the ideas from the players themselves! The 
examples used vary in level of difficulty and going through all of them will only 
solidify one’s strategic understanding. The exercise chapters (Chapter 3 for Vol 1 
and Chapter 7 for Vol 2) add more instructive value as it can be used either as in-class 
group exercises or individual homework. Any club leader, camp instructor or chess 
coach will be able to find the topical chapters useful when preparing for their regular 
lessons. And I won’t be surprised if they improve their strategic intuition as well in 
the process!”

GM Julio Sadorra

Coach of University of Texas Dallas Chess Team