The First Thing to Understand About Chess Tactics for beginners.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When starting to learn chess and considering adding tactics for your game you should first understand the difference between chess strategy<\/a> and tactics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chess strategy is your overall plan and specific strategic attacks that you may use in order to gain the advantage on the chessboard, while chess tactics are the ability to see the potential and moves that will gain tempo<\/a> and set up your upcoming moves and captures and execute them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read on and I will provide some guidance as to some tactics you can use and special moves<\/a> that you can utilize to be in a position to control the middle of the board and keep your opponent under attack, forcing them to defend whilst you build your tactical advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two main types of Chess Tactics: Static Tactics (those that change one or more pieces’ positions) and Dynamic Tactics (a series of moves forcing an opponent’s piece for example). These should be trained as early on as possible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Static chess tactics are moves that you make that position your pieces ready to execute a specific attack and chess strategy to capture enemy pieces. There remains a danger that your opponent will be able to counter this tactic, but if you are able to execute the plan correctly without your opponent noticing then it should be successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t forget your opponent will most likely have exactly the same intent, but if you can include some dynamic tactics interspersed with the static moves you should be able to come out on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The more powerful tactic in your armory are using specific tactical moves in which you force your opponent to take defensive measures to protect pieces against a variety of strategies you aim to employ in the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can move to a position where your opponent has to make a move that is not part of their tactical approach, you will have taken away their best opportunity for a tactic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of these strategies include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are just a few strategies that your tactics can result in gaining an advantage by making captures of exchanges where you exit the tactical period of play with more material power on the board and a stronger position to begin your next tactical move to execute another strategy attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many tactical considerations in chess, probably far more than you will ever have time to learn and master, so choosing a few key options to study to begin with is best. This is a list of easy to grasp tactics that will help you get to grips with the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These include not only the attacking element but tactics to employ if you find yourself in a position of disadvantage. Also, a key tactic is knowing how to close an end-game out quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study each of these 11 elements and you should be able to make tangible progress in your game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whilst there remain arguments as to the value of maintaining possession of central pawns, one has to concede that losing material of any value is not a good thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Control of the center of the board is a key element to holding an advantage and the sooner you control the center the better, especially, squares d4-d5-e4<\/a>-e5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pawns positioned here and not lost can support the attack of your stronger pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not exchange your center pawns for an opponent’s flank pawns (Those lines outside in files<\/a> c and f) – by moving out you are opening up the center and providing room for your opponent to come inside, take control of the center and attack you. Even if tempted by a decoy move<\/a> to take your pawn toward the flank, try to resist where possible and consider the greater loss you may suffer in exchange for a pawn capture of another pawn, or even a knight or bishop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There may be something much more dangerous about to happen on the vacated d and e squares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you find an opponent has an opportunity, especially centrally, to create a passed pawn<\/a>, it should be blocked as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An advanced and isolated pawn is a serious threat to your defense as it can support and defend strong pieces moving into attacking positions toward your backline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whilst blocking with another pawn is effective and will halt the progress, the knight is a better choice. The chances are you don’t have a pawn on that file anyway, so the knight is perfect in having several options to move covering 4 advanced squares from its blocking position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These four squares can be used as your own attack with knight defense or left open as traps if your opponent takes their eye off the ball and forgets the knight’s presence tucking in behind the pawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n READ MORE ABOUT PASSED PAWNS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The f7 square is famous for being the weakest square on the board, sitting directly in front of the bishop, with the knight and king on diagonal<\/a> tangents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you find your opponent opening with e4, especially a novice, you can bet<\/a> they have one eye on the f7 square and will be looking to attack it. A swift knight move usually deflects the idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The attack usually forms the basis of two pieces attacking the square. If you do not see it coming, you are suddenly in checkmate with the king locked in place and unable to capture the checking piece because of the backup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, this is a combination of the bishop and queen combining to complete the Scholar’s mate on f7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is rare to see this outside of beginner-level chess, but not entirely non-existent. Any strong player getting on the f7 early in the game will be seen hanging their head in shame immediately!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Squares on the fourth, fifth, sixth, and even seventh ranks that are protected by pawns and are under no threat from opponents pawns are considered outposts in chess.<\/a> They are key tactics to attacking strategy as a safe piece that can form part of a fork (with a knight), or Pin with a bishop.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You should always be on the lookout for a potential outpost to occupy as part of your attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knights are also fast and flexible pieces that allow you to quickly change attacking targets if needed, making them an ideal chess tactic for beginners<\/a> who want to develop their skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sacrifice is a fundamental part of chess tactics and can make for interesting trades and exchanges. Even allowing the capture of one of your major chess pieces can be an integral tactic to your end game strategy as part of a trap<\/a> or decoy for material gain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tactical sacrifices are a key element in the end-game when looking to close in and mate your opponent. At this point of the game, even your most valuable queen could be your sacrifice to gain the advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have used this video from chess.com<\/a> on more than one occasion on this site, It provides three examples of incredible foresight and sacrifice of a queen with benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTypes of Chess Tactics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Static Chess Tactics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dynamic Chess Tactics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n11 Chess Tactics for Beginners to Learn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Avoid Losing your central pawns where possible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Block passed pawns with Knights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Attacking the F7 Square<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Outposts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Sacrifice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n