Chess Tactics and Strategies for Chess Learners

Posted by IchessU on March 4th, 2015

To play good chess, you need tactics and strategies that will help you gain edge in and ultimately win the game. The two terms are very commonly confused by chess novices and beginners. Tactics refer to the sequences of moves that usually involve a capture or attack and attempt to make immediate tangible gain/edge in the game. Tactics, in essence are the very first things that you look for when considering moves, the most common of which are pins, skewers, forks, discovered attacks, and removing guards. Strategies on the other hand, are long term plans for how you intend or aim to make the game go down. A strategy is often coined from positional considerations instead of merely looking into attacks and captures. Common positional elements forming the basis for most chess strategies include piece mobility and safety, pawn structure, and king safety.

Strategy and tactics are intertwined, but they are separate concepts that every chess learner must know about in order to formulate better game plays, strategic moves, and tactical maneuvers that will ultimately win you the game. Novice players are advised to master tactical playing before experimenting with strategic planning, because most games below master level are won or lost through tactical mistakes. Studying tactics is one of the best ways to improve your skills fast.

Moving on to strategy requires carefully honed tactical skills, because strategic play is also hinged on tactical movements in order to achieve long-term positioning advantages. Both principles are important because every chess player needs to know how to make immediate maneuvers (tactics) as well as plan moves and place different pieces accordingly to achieve strategic goals, while analyzing the flow of the game and the opponent's movements.

While strategy and tactics are two very different concepts, the two cannot be completely separated, mainly because strategic goals cannot be achieved without tactical moves and tactical opportunities are mostly derived from strategic play.

The fundamentals of strategy and tactics are among the most essential concepts that every chess player who wants to improve must learn. In the game of chess, as with many things in life, experience is the best teacher, but getting proper lessons from experienced trainers will enhance your skills more and provide you with the proper training ground to improve your game. Online, you will find great platforms where you can acquire the skills and knowledge you need to win every game in your future.

About the author:

Albert Fishman has been involved in teaching chess since 1996 and is part of the IchessU coaching staff.