Derek’s advices

By @DNRW9, assembled for Chess House Cafe

General

Play the board, not the player.

If you have found a good move, look if you can find a better one.

Before you move, sit on your hands and look again.

Every move your opponent makes has a purpose, no matter how harmless it may appear, ensure you understand that purpose, before you make your next move!

In opening theory it is important to control the central 4 squares, but as the game continues, from the opening to the middle game it becomes a battle for the central 36 squares, and from the middle game to the endgame it is a battle for the central 36 squares to the entire 64 squares. This makes every square on the chessboard important to control, as the game progresses.

With the choices, on the board, there is still possibilities, and always remember, room for error.

Positional vs tactical play

Tactical play is more about activating the own pieces, where positional is about space (for the own pieces) and restriction (of the opponent’s...)

Typically, e4 openings are considered tactical, and d4 openings are considered positional. Here is why: First with King’s pawn openings, for example the Ruy Lopez, White’s intentions are fast developing, based on attack and defend; White attacks Blacks defending pieces, the defending pieces of Black have been virtually forced, by Whites aggressive attacking moves. White therefore hopes to overpower the Black position with combinations. All this is tactical. Now d4 is totally different: White develops the pieces in a non-aggressive manner, built on the basis of strengthening the d pawn and builds pieces up in readiness for a well-timed pawn push. White therefore position their pieces in readiness for this by their pieces being placed to target certain squares, diagonals and files. Blacks attacking possibility is restricted, and it tends to Blacks pieces being more contained in lessening the effects of any pawn push, that White may attempt. Therefore the position of both White and Blacks pieces, are based on good positioning. Therefore, hence positional. Tactical is more direct, and positional indirect, but in the hands of the right player, just as effective!

A key factor in positional play is piece restriction, you prevent your opponent’s pieces from having too much movement, this is achieved by you controlling key squares, where they could create a problem. This then leaves your opponent in a passive position, and without any counterplay. The result is, you have successfully closed his position down.

The endgame is when positional play is essential, this is when tactically minded players struggle. The Master players know this, and it's a lethal weapon against a player they know to be tactical.

This is why players should study endgame theory, it helps them with other parts of the game, especially in positions, they find themselves in which are positional. It helps them to handle the situation better then.

Openings

There is no opening, no matter how well you know it, that can guarantee you win, or that you don’t lose.

When picking an opening, (1) ensure it fits your style of play, (2) ensure you fully understand its purpose and objectives, and that you would feel confident with it, (3) regardless of your opponent's strength.

If an opponent offers you a gambit, be it pawn or piece, and you accept it, then you follow up with moves that lessen its effect wherever possible.

In the opening, you only bring the Queen into a central position if she poses a threat, otherwise, she becomes a target for your opponent, which could result in loss of tempo, or worse, loss of material.

Pawn structure

You play on the board, but within your pawn structure. So chose your pawn structure carefully. Try to create a pawn structure that serves your play, and restricts or cumbers that of your opponent.

Weak pawn formations can be the downfall of even the strongest Chess players. Only move a pawn if you believe it's of benefit, because once you've moved that pawn, you can't move it back!

When forming a pawn chain, ensure it restricts your opponent’s pieces, and not yours.

A pawn chain is only as strong as it's base. Like a house, if the foundations are weak, the house collapses!

Your pawn roller is only as strong as your defense behind it.

When advancing pawns, it is worthwhile remembering that at some stage they will require protection by pieces. Because of this, first ensure that when this occurs, that it is beneficial to the pieces supporting them, and not detrimental, leaving them restricted in purely a defensive and passive position.

Don't allow your opponent to be able to push centre pawns unrestricted, they will split your forces and put your Kings position under threat.

Other middle game aspects

An outposted piece is only as strong as the key squares it covers and the pieces it is working in unison with.

In closed positions, the knights become one of the strongest pieces on the board.

Overprotection is a very important concept, it automatically unites your forces.

Other endgame aspects

You push an advanced pawn only when it is safe to do so.

The valuation of pieces is ideal for assessing who holds the advantage in a position, especially in endgames.

In an endgame especially, don't let your Bishop get restricted by it's own pawns.

Post-game

If you win (mainly in OTB), give the time to run through the game with your opponent, and discuss where you believe they went wrong. This shows good gamesmanship and helps your opponent. Even if you are world champion, don't talk down to people when discuss it, show the person respect.

(c) @DNRW9 with @Ammerbucher

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