What does anti-positional mean?
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Google search turned up nothing, and the only references to anti-positional I can find are in chess analysis videos, where it's very unclear in context. Even sometimes one commentator will say a move is anti-positional, and another will disagree. What does it actually mean? Are there moves or positions where there is consensus on what is or isn't "anti-positional?"
Jul 31, 2021
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#2
Well, the way I understand it an anti-positional move is a move that creates a long term weakness in your position. It is typically related to your pawn structure. Your opponent may not be able to take advantage of it immediately but it can cause you trouble down the road.
An anti-positional move may or may not be a mistake. If you have compensation for the weakness you've created, e.g. through increased piece activity or initiative, then it can be a good move.
anti-positional is the opposite of positional
positional is preventing play by the opponent
snorkel_weasel wrote:
Google search turned up nothing, and the only references to anti-positional I can find are in chess analysis videos, where it's very unclear in context. Even sometimes one commentator will say a move is anti-positional, and another will disagree. What does it actually mean? Are there moves or positions where there is consensus on what is or isn't "anti-positional?"
It's a general term that means "not paying attention to positional aspects of chess play" or perhaps flouting them, often in favour of shorter term tactical ideas. Anti-positional play is justified if the tactics work but if not, then the player often has long-term problems to contend with, either in regard to weaknesses or to piece mobility.
Oct 26, 2021
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#6
I was watching an agadmator video this morning, and he used the phrase anti-positional, and I had the same questions as the OP. So -- thanks for asking, and thank you to those who answered! Now I'm going to go back to where he said it and see if it makes more sense.
FYI, it at the 2:15 mark in this video: https://youtu.be/gPJibSgeFew
BTW, he added, "but nowadays with strong engines, players are making anit-positional moves all the time."