In the previous topic, we looked at how space advantage leads to the opponent getting cramped while the centre is locked. In this topic, we will be looking at how to use space advantage when the space advantage comes from the central pawns. This may seem quite simple, but the difference between this and the previous is with the position fairly open, the central pawns could become the object of the attack so at least make it possible to defend them.
In the first position, it appears as if white has the space advantage, but he has wasted a lot of tempi to do so. How does black liquidate white's space advantage?
As you can see, as black I had successfully managed to remove white's inital source of a space advantage he could build up. Although he has the B on e4, it can easily be kicked out if needed with the f pawn, but if so, make sure that you do not weaken your king too much. I eventually did win back the pawn on c5, but white did manage to create some problems when I tried to win it back as in the position below. How does white make the most out of the situation?
Well, why am I highlighting white's move in that position? Well although the pawn was anyways lost, with the move white played, my opponent managed to weaken my pawn structure, and the N on a6 cannot move to any good squares anymore. It is still in black's favour, but white has gotten the best out of the position. However, he did unfortunately manage to connect my pawns back later... But we will again look at how to gain the Pawn centre Space advantage:
In the game, after taking the centre with the first move, I had played Qb2 to weaken his pawns (after b6 the fianchetto B could add pressure onto the c pawn in future). However the stronger move would take further space and hence lead to the opponent being even more cramped.
Notice how I had used the b file after it opened after my opponent opened it earlier. It is key to make use of any advantages you have. As in the previous games (in the previous topic) I had pressured my opponent with my space advantage. Here, I did the same, but this time, my pieces are even more flexible. The only thing you need to be wary of is the central pawns, if undefended, pose as a big target, but they stop pieces reaching good squares. Next time, I will probably look at pawn structures.
Hi,
In the previous topic, we looked at how space advantage leads to the opponent getting cramped while the centre is locked. In this topic, we will be looking at how to use space advantage when the space advantage comes from the central pawns. This may seem quite simple, but the difference between this and the previous is with the position fairly open, the central pawns could become the object of the attack so at least make it possible to defend them.
In the first position, it appears as if white has the space advantage, but he has wasted a lot of tempi to do so. How does black liquidate white's space advantage?
As you can see, as black I had successfully managed to remove white's inital source of a space advantage he could build up. Although he has the B on e4, it can easily be kicked out if needed with the f pawn, but if so, make sure that you do not weaken your king too much. I eventually did win back the pawn on c5, but white did manage to create some problems when I tried to win it back as in the position below. How does white make the most out of the situation?
Well, why am I highlighting white's move in that position? Well although the pawn was anyways lost, with the move white played, my opponent managed to weaken my pawn structure, and the N on a6 cannot move to any good squares anymore. It is still in black's favour, but white has gotten the best out of the position. However, he did unfortunately manage to connect my pawns back later... But we will again look at how to gain the Pawn centre Space advantage:
In the game, after taking the centre with the first move, I had played Qb2 to weaken his pawns (after b6 the fianchetto B could add pressure onto the c pawn in future). However the stronger move would take further space and hence lead to the opponent being even more cramped.
Notice how I had used the b file after it opened after my opponent opened it earlier. It is key to make use of any advantages you have. As in the previous games (in the previous topic) I had pressured my opponent with my space advantage. Here, I did the same, but this time, my pieces are even more flexible. The only thing you need to be wary of is the central pawns, if undefended, pose as a big target, but they stop pieces reaching good squares. Next time, I will probably look at pawn structures.