Castle Doctrine: Playing Hyper-Defensive

What are your thoughts on an extremely defensive chess style? One where you make almost no aggressive moves, rather simply tighten your defense as much as possible, simply waiting for your opponent to make an “over-aggressive” mistake?

In the game below, I implement a “castle doctrine” defense; a relatively non aggressive opening and keeping most of my “attacking” pieces at bay. Take a look:

One of the key things to note is how I use the pawns very slowly and methodically to gently push against his attacking pieces. Pawns can be used aggressively (think two steps at a time or pushing down the board) but they can also be used to close positions and gentle nudge away pieces.

Let’s have a discussion: is playing chess extremely defensive a good strategy for mid level players? 

Yes, I do think that around your level it would work quite a bit. But also be careful not to get destroyed with a massive sacrificial attack. If you want we can play and you play using that style.

Great point! A sacrifice can definitely blow open a defensive position. Speaking of sacrifices, how did you like my Knight sac? Worth it or nah? XD

and we will play soon! Feeling tired rn only got like 5 hours of sleep. Once I’m more rested I’ll feel more prepared to take on your pro level hehe

It was a nice idea and find but you gave up two pieces for the rook which is generally bad

That’s actually a good point, that would explain why the engine didn’t like it. I usually never give up two pieces for a rook or always take visa versa, I think the glory of pinning the queen to the rook was too much to pass up even tho it was a weak trade

they can't win if you don't lose

playing defensively is less about playing defense and more about playing long-term goals; for example, pawn structure, potential endgames, etc. And defending until you can cash out on said advantages is the method to get there. If you have no long term advantages, or if you have no tangible way to capitalize on them (game 2, black's doubled pawns were strong) then it's just pain and suffering.

Dude it’s funny cuz when I was writing this I was legit thinking about your philosophy you introduced to this club many years ago. That post you made about the defensive style legit changed the way I view chess forever

rbuh

Honestly specializing in defense in general is harder and pays off less.

But I enjoy it