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Chess Axioms or Maxims

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e4forme

I find you have the Rules of Chess, such as 'how the pieces move' and 'Checkmate is the object of the game' and you have the Rules of Chess! This seem to be best found in the Chess Axioms or Maxims that you hear. I find I win a lot of games when my opponent Breaks a Chess Axiom or Rule and I simply look at how to take advantage of that.

Name a Chess Axiom that you consider a Chess Truth.

Knights before Bishops(when developing) is one.

Capture toward the Center(with pawns) is another.

TheGrobe

Chess and then beer, you're in the clear.

Beer and then chess?  Your game's a mess.

meniscus

A drinking club with a chess problem.

e4forme

lol... ok, I am sure that is a universal truth alright!

Flamma_Aquila

Let's see...

Knights on the rim are dim...

Always attack in the direction your pawns are pointing...

Calculate twice, move once...

Develop the Queen last...

When you have a space advantage, avoid exchanges...

Rooks belong behind passed pawns...

TheGrobe

Hmmm, the only one of those I'd truly consider an axiom is "Calculate Twice, Move Once".  The rest have exceptions to the rule.

How about, always assume the best possible response from your opponent no matter who they are.

or

Play the position, not the opponent.

porkscrew

No one defends perfectly

-Silman

e4forme
TheGrobe wrote:

Hmmm, the only one of those I'd truly consider an axiom is "Calculate Twice, Move Once".  The rest have exceptions to the rule.

How about, always assume the best possible response from your opponent no matter who they are.

or

Play the position, not the opponent.


 I would consider all rookandladder's responses as Chess Axioms! Just because there is an exception doesn't mean it is not a rule or Axiom.

And those two are very good!

TheGrobe

A bad plan is better than no plan at all.

TheGrobe

No, I disagree -- an axiom is a self evident truth that requires no proof.  Because there are exceptions to the rule, I'd say that not only are they not self-evident, but that there are in fact counterexamples that constitute disproof.

"Guidelines" I'll buy.  "Axiom", though, is too strong a word for all but the third item.

kevinjin

A far passed pawn in a king & pawn game will lead to victory

kevinjin

open files are for queens and rooks----open diagnals are for bishops

itzdavey

Agree with TheGrobe.  Even as a beginner I know that there are exceptions to the guidelines presented so far.   I think the only axioms in chess are probably the fundamental rules about how the pieces move. 

e4forme

ax·i·om Pronunciation: \ˈak-sē-əm\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin axioma, from Greek axiōma,literally, something worthy, from axioun to think worthy, from axios worth, worthy; akin to Greek agein to weigh, drive Date: 15th century

...

1 : a maxim widely accepted on its intrinsic merit
2 : a statement accepted as true as the basis for argument or inference 
3 : an established rule or principle or a self-evident truth
.
2: a statement accepted as true as the basis for arguement or inference!
porkscrew

I think these are more along the lines of proverbs than axioms.

e4forme

A lot of Chess Truths and Insights are held in the Chess Axioms!

It would be a shame to ignore them just because there is an exception. To know the exception means you understand the purpose of the Maxim!

TheGrobe

See, now Maxim is a better word for some of these.  A general rule as opposed to an undeniable truth.

e4forme

I really just wanted to share some Insights...

Instead this thread is turning into an arguement over the Definition of Axiom, which I posted as well.

Golbat
ACQ wrote:

I think these are more along the lines of proverbs than axioms.


Yes, it seems that way.

TheGrobe

How about "Don't let pedantry get in the way of maintaining the focus of a thread"?

I have trouble with this one.