Chess Wisdom and Aphorisms #13

Chess Wisdom and Aphorisms.  #13.

How to win as White -

‘Hold everything together and wait for a tactic or combination. Otherwise improve the position of your pieces.’

Aphorism - ‘As the White player, Wait for an opportunity to win!’

As the white player, you already have a plus.  The opening move.  You will make much more progress by simply developing your pieces until they are all developed.  Then wait for a tactic or combination.  Oftentimes as white, we try to create a tactic.  This illusion is what keeps players below 1600.  You must be more subtle.  Simply hold things together.  Your opponent will make a mistake if they are intent on a win.  They must, because the black player cannot simply ‘attack’.  (See #12).  You are not playing for a draw as white.  You are playing for an opportunity to win.  I would add that against the incredibly strong players I have played on chess.com (much respect  to you all) , I have reached a grade of around 1720 with this approach. 

Here is  a nice game with this approach by a  high 1800 player.  It often leads to an initiative on the Queen’s side and gain of material.   At no time in this game did White state to his opponent.  ‘I am attacking you, watch out.’  The Queen’s side attack and victory came as a surprise to the Black side.  Best of luck in your ‘subtle‘, ‘surprise’ and winning games as White!