"Pawns are the soul of chess." - Philidor
Moving from a casual chess player
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I am too liberal in the use of the pawns and open myself up to some big problems.Looking forward to learning more about the game!!!
One of the biggest mistakes I consistently made as a new player was undervaluing my pawns and sacrificing them freely. As the level of play increases it takes smaller and smaller mistakes to result in a decicive advantage.
Nov 1, 2011
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#5
One of the key points about pawns is once you've moved them forward you can't move them back again.
Also, if you plan to castle kingside always consider carefully (or extra carefully) before you move your f pawn (I'm not saying it's always bad, cos that's stupid).
About that f pawn you just mentioned. . .do you think it a good idea to sacrify your bishop taking that pawn at the beginning of the game?
Nov 1, 2011
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#7
tabor wrote:
About that f pawn you just mentioned. . .do you think it a good idea to sacrify your bishop taking that pawn at the beginning of the game?
A bishop for a pawn, not without sufficient compensation.
Nov 1, 2011
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#8
Yes, I learned a ton of stuff from losing. The most important thing I learned from losing is tactics. I wouldn't really look for what I could do tactically, until I was losing, then I would look for ways to get the material back to even, while at the same time my opponent would kind of lose concentration thinking the game is over.
Having trouble defending my opponent's knights.
Nov 7, 2011
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#10
yea, the unabashed pawn moving works when it's an 1100 vs. another 1100, but if you want to hang out with the big boys, you have to watch that kind of stuff because it simply doesn't work.
very few 1800s are going to get crushed by a pawn-and-no-pieces attack from a beginner. sure, it happens, but not often.
opening *principles* are worth way more than actual opening lines. I recommend learning the broad ideas before pinpointing in on something.
Things like:
Two pawn moves are fine in the opening. no need to go crazy. just the two.
Develop your pieces, castle, and THEN attack, unless you see a clear win otherwise.
Get your pieces to good squares and, generally, knights before bishops.
Gain as much space as you can without compromising your position.
Just playing against the computer I am learning some new things just by losing. I am observing how the pawns and the knights are used and devoloping a new respect for the pieces.