Chess is a game that has been around for centuries, and has inspired play and competition around the world. Derived from the Indian game of Chaturanga, chess spread throughout Asia and Europe and became the game we know it today around the 16th century. And while the game has evolved significantly from its beginnings, with standardized pieces and sophisticated strategy manuals, chess remains a popular game even in the humblest of circumstances.
As complex and intriguing as the history of chess is, most people simply want to learn the basics of the game. If you have just started playing chess, it is likely that you are eager to learn more about how you can improve your play. This article is all about learning which tactics you can use to play chess effectively.
Here are some basic tactics you can use to play chess. Try some of these moves out and see if you can increase your wins! But first, let’s start by understanding exactly what chess tactics are.
Once you know the basics of chess, how do you improve the way you play the game? How do you become a more strategic player? Learn eight approaches that will make you more competitive when it’s time to play.
What are Chess Tactics?
Chess tactics are combinations or sequences of moves used to create one or more immediate threats against an opponent. Such threats include:
- A check
- A material threat
- A checkmating sequence
- The threat of another tactic
Tactics culminate when the opponent cannot respond to the threats without making some sort of concession. Players mostly use different tactics to gain advantages, either through gaining you opponents pieces or assuming a better position.
Some tactics are used as defensive measures, to salvage material that might be lost, or to push the game to a stalemate when loss is a strong possibility.
Learning chess is fun, rewarding, and complex. A good starting point for learning chess is understanding each piece and their move.
What are the Top Chess Tactics?
Fork (Double Attack)
In a fork, a single piece makes two or more simultaneous attacks. Two opponent pieces, or a piece and a square are targeted at the same time. For example, a knight on e5 attacking a king on g8 and a rook on c6.
Pin
A pin is when a piece is cannot move without exposing a more valuable piece for capture, such as a king or queen. When “absolute pin” is used, the pinned piece cannot legally move because it results in exposing the king to check. In a “relative pin”, the pinned piece can move but would expose a more valuable piece for capture.
Skewer
A skewer is when a piece attacks the opponent’s valuable piece, and when the valuable piece moves, a less valuable piece is captured.
Discovered Attack
A discovered attack is when a piece moves, and reveals an attack by another piece behind it.
Double Check
A double check is when two pieces deliver a check at the same time. The only escape from a double check is to move the king.
Deflection
A deflection is when a player forces their opponent’s piece to move from a crucial square. The player gets a tactical advantage like checkmate or material gain. For example, a player might sacrifice a piece to lure the opponent from its defence of an important square.
Decoy
A decoy is when a player forces the opponent’s piece to move to a square where it will be attacked by another tactic.
Interference
A player causes interference when they place a piece between two opponent pieces to disrupt their coordination.
Chess is a game that continues to capture the interest of people from all walks of life. When getting started in chess, it is important to learn the game, its terminology, and some basic tips to play.
Zwischenzug
This is an unexpected move inserted in to an sequence of predictable moves, changing the outcome of the sequence.
Back Rank Mate
This is when the player checkmates the opponent’s king on the first or eighth rank with a rook or a queen, where the king in strapped by its own pawns.
While the chessboard may seem rather straightforward - we can all picture the simplicity of black and white checkered squares - there are actually many elements that go into chessboard setup.
What is the Difference Between Chess Tactics and Strategy?
One thing you may be wondering is what the differences are between tactics and strategies in chess. While the concepts have some similarities, in chess they refer to two very different things.
Tactics, as you may have noticed, involve concrete sequence of moves that are used in the short term. Tactics are usually forced and depend on precise calculation, and result in immediate gain and positional advantage.
In contrast, strategy in chess involves long term-planning and overall management. You must have a solid understanding of positional elements, pieces, and key squares to develop and utilize strategy effectively.
With ample and consistent practice and play, you can master both elements of tactics and strategy.
What are the Best Ways to Improve my Tactical Game in Chess?
Now that you have a sense of the different tactics, you might be wondering how you can try these moves out. As the old saying goes, “practice makes progress”: the more you practice, the better at chess you will be!
Let’s look at some ways you can practice your tactical skills.
Solve Tactical Puzzles
You can find books that contain tactical puzzles you can solve in chess online, in bookstores, or even at a local newsstand. These are simple but highly effective resources you can use on the fly, when you have some spare time, or are waiting.
Puzzles help you to focus on specific elements of tactics and how to recognize them in real games. Best of all, there is no pressure and you can bring these puzzles anywhere!
Learn from Your Own Games or Others
Take the time to analyze games of chess you have played, or watch games of stronger players to identify what they are doing. Sometimes, chess tournaments are televised, or you can observe others at your local chess club or chess park.
Chess Apps
Apps have become a commonplace way to practice chess in dynamic, digital environments that are easy to access on your phone. Use these resources to improve your tactical game in a fun and engaging way.
Independent Study
There are loads of explainer videos, social media clips, books, and sites that explain tactical themes in great detail. You can use these free resources to learn the specifics of different tactics and see them in action.
People that aspire to play chess are following in the footsteps of giants. And while chess is is a game that has entertained some of the most brilliant minds in the world, it is also a game that children, can play. Find out how you can get started as a beginner.
Can a Private Chess Instructor or Tutor Help me with Chess Tactics?
Private chess instructors or tutors are an excellent way to accelerate your understanding of chess and tactics for play. They can model for you different tactics, and work with you wherever you are in your chess learning journey.
It can also be a powerful learning experience to practice chess tactics with an experienced player who is dedicated to helping you to improve. They can stage different game scenarios that match your level of play, and scaffold instruction so you are learning tactics at the right time.
Private chess instruction is also a fantastic option for parents that want to see their kids excel in chess, but do not have the time or the skillset to guide them. Hire a chess tutor who is used to working with children, and you will not only help your child to develop a skillset but give them a fun weekend or after school activity.
How do I Find a Private Chess Tutor?
Finding a chess tutor to teach you or your child chess tactics is easy with Superprof. The Superprof Canada site that connects students to private instructors in a wide range of pursuits and disciplines, including chess.
The site is user-friendly, with a search tool that will displays available chess tutors when prompted. You can see all available chess tutors near you or across Canada, should you be interested in learning virtually.
Take a look at the individual profiles of each tutor, and see if they can focus specifically on chess tactics. If you are looking for a child, be sure to contact only those that are qualified and experienced at working with kids. If you are looking for yourself, make sure the tutor can meet your current level of play.
Improve your chess tactics with a tutor today!
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