I define initiative as efficient development over shorter period of time. In the game above, against an opponent of equal or maybe even greater strength, I sacrificed a knight to gain initiative.
I could not mentally calculate all the outcomes. I did not even choose the best path to victory.
But I had initiative, and I took it, and it paid off really well.
The practical aspect of seizing initiative is that you get more tactical opportunities to impose your will on the game.
In a different game I am playing now, against a seemingly weaker opponent, I lost the initiative through a bad move, but I noticed that before he did, and fixed the matters quickly. Even the strongest of amateurs lose initiative from time to time, so you are bound to find such moments in your games as well.
Conclusions:
1. Observe the critical moment of the game, when you can gain initiative.
2. Be ready to sacrifice material for it, but make sure the sacrifice does not lose immediately first.
3.Initiative leads to tactical and positional opportunities. Be sure to notice them and use them.
https://www.chess.com/game/daily/317111040
I define initiative as efficient development over shorter period of time. In the game above, against an opponent of equal or maybe even greater strength, I sacrificed a knight to gain initiative.
I could not mentally calculate all the outcomes. I did not even choose the best path to victory.
But I had initiative, and I took it, and it paid off really well.
The practical aspect of seizing initiative is that you get more tactical opportunities to impose your will on the game.
In a different game I am playing now, against a seemingly weaker opponent, I lost the initiative through a bad move, but I noticed that before he did, and fixed the matters quickly. Even the strongest of amateurs lose initiative from time to time, so you are bound to find such moments in your games as well.
Conclusions:
1. Observe the critical moment of the game, when you can gain initiative.
2. Be ready to sacrifice material for it, but make sure the sacrifice does not lose immediately first.
3.Initiative leads to tactical and positional opportunities. Be sure to notice them and use them.