Top 10 Ways To Find Candidate Moves

 Middle Game is a very interesting part of chess. This part is where many players struggle.

So, today we are going to look at how to find candidate moves. 

Lets start!

 What is a candidate move?

Candidate moves refer to the moves you will analyze that cater to a particular goal or a plan. When you are playing a game, you can't be expected to analyze every possibility. To avoid this, you have to trim back your options by looking at the IMBALANCES on the board.

Now, what is a imbalance?

An imbalance is any significant difference in the two respective positions.

Here is a list of imbalances:

1.Superior minor piece

2.Pawn Structure

3.Space 

4.Lead in development

5.Material

6.Control of a key file

7.Control of a hole

8.Initiative

9.King Safety

10.Statics vs Dynamics

Now, lets understand each imbalance in depth.

1.Superior minor piece: It is used to compare which piece is more active and useful.

Bishops prefer open positions and can play on two sides of the board. While knights prefer closed positions and should be placed close to the center of the board to be active.

For Example:

Good Bishop vs Bad Knight 

Good Bishop vs Bad Bishop

Good Knight vs Bad Bishop 

2.Pawn Structure: It is used to assess pawn islands, backward pawns ,passed pawns and weak pawns.
 

 
3.Space : It is used to assess space advantage one has.

4.Lead in development: It is used to compare which we can decide which side is more developed.

Tip:Always try to open the position if you are ahead in development, especially if your opponent's king is at the center.

5.Material:It is used to assess which side has more material.

 
6.Control of a key file: It helps us to understand which side has a key file in its control. These key files are used by the rooks.

7.Control of a hole: It helps us to understand which side has a hole in its control. These holes are used as outposts by the knights.

8.Initiative: It is pushing your own plans in the position. Also, destroying your opponent's position.

9.King Safety:It is used to assess how safe the king is.

10.Statics vs Dynamics: It is a battle between short and long term imbalances. A static imbalance is long term imbalance and dynamic imbalance is short term imbalance.

I hope you enjoyed this blog. If you have any doubts ask in the comments. You can also use the video given below as reference: