Strategy: Create an Endgame when up a piece!

One of the strategies that I’ve learnt in the last year of beginner chess, is knowing what to do when materially ahead. Sometimes in the opening, or in the midgame, I’ll be fortunate enough to be up a piece of material, usually a knight or bishop. In this situation, rather than trying to create opportunities for a clever checkmate, it may be simpler, and safer, to try to liquidate the board – that is, make or force “balanced” material trades to push the game towards an endgame where you retain that piece advantage. This game is an example where I was able to put this into practice.

As there are fewer and fewer pieces left on the board, the absolute difference in material becomes proportionately more significant. Being up a piece in the endgame, even when the opponent has a pawn majority, is often winning.

I hope you enjoyed this video, and thanks for watching!

Originally published: https://adventuresofachessnoob.com/2022/01/05/strategy-create-an-endgame-where-up-a-piece/