several general questions

Hi everyone. As I have been reading and playing games, I've come up with a few questions. Any input is appreciated.

1. Why do you return material later in the game if you have accepted a gambit earlier in the game?

2. Why do you sacrifice the exchange back?

3. What is the difference (if any) between a variation and a line?

4. Once you have control over a central square, what do you do with it?

5. Do both sides seek to control the same square? Or can each side focus on controlling different squares?

6. How can you make the game complicated or confusing for your opponent without making possibly weak moves?

1. Material is given back when you need to catch up on development that was lost while gobbling your opponent's material or to stop the attack they may have.

2. is probably the same as 1.

3. A variation is usually a large body of an opening (like the Najdorf or Dragon Variations of the Sicilian) while a line is usually just a thread of moves from a given position.

4. use it or lose it. If you have a space advantage, use that to help develop an attack.

5. Which square you focus on is dependent on which opening you are playing or even which particular position you are in at the moment. There is no general answer to this.

6. Make only good moves that raise challenges to your opponent or set up a puzzle they need to solve to not lose. BUT don't make ridiculous moves that only weaken your own position if the opponent doesn't take the bait.

1. Gambits have been accepted with a smile and "thank you" the last couple of days. Some people don't want these gambits and are now returning them for better things or store credits.

2. Sometimes, what people receive in the exchange isn't to their liking.

3. Lines are not to be discussed here!

4. Hope it appreciates.

5. Sometimes. Then it's worth quite a bit.

6. Distract them by presenting them with a fruitcake.

I appreciate both responses! However, my most recent opponent was a cupcake fan. At least I know for next time!

http://www.chess.com/groups/home/the-muffin-group

?

I thought the question might have ended differently:

"How can you  make the game complicated or confusing for your opponent without confusing yourself"

That might be a fun one to ask Tal.  He might simply say "I was confused too" heh.