Kennsluefni
Master Strategy

Master Strategy

CHESScom
Chess.com Team
Byrja

Learn the key strategies that can decide master games!

Have you ever wondered how masters always seem to know the right pawn moves and ideas? Have you ever wondered how to use pawns to spark attacks and win games? Then this is the course for you! In this module, we will be examining some of the most advanced strategies which chess masters use in their games, particularly involving pawns. Start using your pawns like a master today!

Here is what you will learn:

  • Learn how to use pawns to halt an attack in its tracks!
  • Learn how pawns can expose the opponent's king!
  • Learn when to open a game and when to keep it closed!
  • Learn how to undermine the opponent's center!
  • Learn how to take advantage of a pawn majority and attack one!

 

Playing With Your Pawns

Pawns are not quite like the other pieces, due to their low value and lack of mobility. They are more like the skeleton of the position, and are ideally suited for defense.
1 Challenge

The Two Bishops

The main weakness of a bishop (compared to a knight) is that it can only cover one color of squares. Thus half the board is inaccessible to a bishop.
13 Challenges

Attacking the Pawn Base

A pawn chain is like a tower of blocks; if you want to knock down a tower of blocks, where do you hit it, at the top or the bottom? The answer is obvious, and it is the same with pawn chains.
2 Challenges

Using a Middlegame Majority

Having a majority of pawns (more of your own pawns in one part - kingside or queenside - of the board than opposing pawns) can be a huge advantage.
5 Challenges

Pawn Storms / Pawn Chains

You should play on the side of the board where you have a space advantage, and where your pawn chain is "pointing".
9 Challenges

Striking Back in the Center

A pawns center can convey control of the center to its owner. However, the side facing the pawn center can fight against it by pressuring it with the pieces.
5 Challenges

Sometimes Doubled Pawns are Good

There are many situations where doubled pawns can actually bring a big advantage to their owner - primarily because having doubled pawns gives you an open file.
5 Challenges

Candidate Moves

How do you choose a move when you play chess? Before moving you need to consider "candidate moves" - possible moves, each of which you assess in order to make a decision.
1 Challenge

Let the Pawns Guide the Pieces

The pawns have often been referred to as the "soul of the game". The pawn structure / formation is the "skeleton" of the board.
2 Challenges

Master Strategy

Herkænska
9 Lessons
No Videos
43 Challenges
Released May 16, 2013

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