Chess Tips: 7 Key Principles of Defending
Hi everyone! Welcome to my second blog in the series I created the series called "Chess Tips" where I teach you some useful skills you can use in your own games. Now let's get started!
The art of defense at chess is a very important and serious subject. Many players only focus on brilliant tactics and flashy sacrifices. Yes, yes I get it. Attacking is indeed important. But it is equally important to know how to get yourself out of trouble. After reading this blog, I hope you will be able to apply these principles in your own games!
#1: Identify the threats.
It is a good habit to always think about defense first. When your opponent makes a move, you should access all changes on the board as well as find the threats you opponent may create. You should always ask your self the following questions:
What is the idea behind this move?
What is the opponent threatening/defending?
What is the most powerful response to your move?
In this example, black just played Qb6 to protect the knight. However, it is obvious black is plotting a trick as well. Black threatens to take on the weak f2 pawn. It is important to identify all of the ideas behind each of the opponent’s moves so that you can play accordingly.
2. Keep all of your pieces protected.
Often times, we advance our pieces deeper into enemy’s territory without thinking too much about safety. A rule to remember is keep all of your pieces defended by another piece and pawn. That will minimize the possibility of a fork, double attack or skewer.
In the example below, white needs to think about safety. Black has a strong move Qa5+, double attacking the bishop and king. White can solve that problem in two ways.
The first way is to play something like Bb3, putting the bishop to safety. Another way is to simply castle, removing any chances of checking.
Indeed, castling (probably king’s side) looks like a more logical option because not only it eliminates the double attack problem, but also puts the king to safety. Always go for the most “useful” move, that accomplishes more than one thing at the same time.
3. Keep the back rank protected
We know how frustrating it can be, blundering a back rank checkmate in a completely dominating position. That is why you need to pay attention to your back rank. Always keep in mind the king is the top priority.
In the board below, white can just take the pawn on a7. But it comes with a terrible price. Black can end the game immediately by going Re1#.
4. When you’re short in space – simplify.
This is a common sense rule, but nevertheless, many players miss it. If you are down in space, it is much harder to maneuver your pieces. With each piece you exchange, it will be that much easier for you to play. At the same time, you will be able position your remaining pieces for a better defense or attack.
In the example below, white need more space. The best bet for him is to exchange off pieces and try to organize a counter-attack on the queen’s side. The correct move here would be to play 1. Qxa6.
5. Avoid pins and skewers
You should always think of pinned or skewered pieces as those pieces who lose their mobility and value. You should try to prevent getting your pieces pinned or skewered. If that happened, you should try to find a way to break the pin or skewer and free the piece.
In the example below, white is in hot water. The queen is skewered to the rook and cannot move because of the mate threat. However, white has a only move that saves the day. White can give a check by playing 1. Qb2+, breaking the skewer.
6. Exchange off your opponent’s best attacking piece
By exchanging off your opponent’s strongest piece you will be able to significantly decrease his attacking possibilities. For instance, in position below white has a very strong dark square bishop. Black manages to find a way to force and exchange and equalize the position.
7. If you’re in trouble – counter attack.
This rule is especially important. Sometimes when we are under huge pressure, it is very hard to make good decisions and our defense collapses.
In the position below white is in trouble. Not only he is a pawn down, but it seems like the b3 pawn and the rest of the queen’s side will crash. White’s rook is misplaced and cannot protect these pawns. In this case, the best option for white is to counter-attack black’s c and b-pawns, making the position more complex and staying in the game.
The correct move is 1. Rd7!
That is all for this blog! Thank you so much for reading it, I really appreciated it and pls comment if you learned something new! I hope you have a nice day! And feel free to vote in the comment what topic you want to learn! I will try to write a blog about it and do my best to help you! See you next week!
