When it comes to chess, learning the game may seem easy, but mastering it could definitely take a while. Being a two-player strategic board game, chess has been prevalent amongst us since a long time now. Moreover, it helps build cognitive skills, especially amongst children. So, enrolling them in for chess coaching in cities like Bangalore is a good option, wherein children will be able to develop themselves better.
In chess, most players do know how to serve the opening but lack the skill of finishing it wisely. Such scenarios usually occur when one isn’t too confident about the middle-game strategies that you could use, which in turn could make the game seem more complicated than it can actually get.
So, how do you tackle such a scenario? Here are a few tips and tricks to improve your middle-game in chess –
Bring your pieces to the centre
Centrepieces control the majority number of squares on a chessboard. When you collectively bring your pieces to the centre, you will be at a greater advantage of dealing with the knights, as you play. Although the knights usually control as many as 8 squares when they are centralized, they end up controlling 2 squares when cornered. Moreover, bishop and queen pieces can be very effective form the margin. However, when centralized, they can move flexibly and also control either sides of the board game.
Pairing your Bishops
As we all know, two definitely is better than one, and in such a scenario, pairing your bishops can be a wise and powerful move that could impact the game in your favour. Avoid losing out on your bishops at the beginning or during the middle of the game. In multiple cases, the bishop pairs’ attacking potential overweighs the pawn structure defects.
Rooks work best on open files
In case there is an open file available, your first instinct should be to ensure that your rook occupies the file. You can also double your winning chances by doubling your rooks in the open file. In case that isn’t available, you can reach out to a semi-open file that you can force open, later in the game.
Weak squares should be avoided
In chess, weak squares cannot be protected by pawns, although such squares are perfect to represent strong outposts for the pieces on the other side. With this being said, trouble usually spurs when a weak square is formed on the center or near the king’s position, especially because pawns cannot move backwards.
Avoid Allowing Weak Pawns
Isolated, backward or doubled pawns should be avoided, majorly. A weak pawn gives your opponent the upper hand to turn the game in his/her favour. It is essential that you use your pawns during the game wisely as they can only move forward in the game.
In conclusion, you can increase your chances of winning the game by improving the position of your pieces through identification, finding the right squares for those pieces and carefully manoeuvring a plan of action in the game.