It is often believed, chess is a game of trial and error. It is not defined by any single pathway that would lead you success. Although, these are true, chess also means learning from others’ mistakes. So, do people having greater IQ score, are successful in chess than others? That’s not true. Chess is a game that improves both IQ and EQ, simultaneously. You need not be clever but act smart, learning tricks in chess could help your win those games that gives you a hinge.
Once you know these tricks, try and practise it with your opponents.
Develop an escape square- An escape square is a trick move. It is move that leaves behind a safer square for the king, in case of any threat or unseeing move made by your opponent. Suppose you have your king in the back rank with no other pieces guarding it, you can create an escape square for the king to avoid any mishaps.
Skewer- Skewer is an occurrence, involving 3 pieces. It occurs when three pieces are lined up in a way that is potentially harmful to a player. This states that a pieces forces a strong piece to move, as to capture a weaker piece, staged in a line, diagonally, horizontally or vertically.
Back-rank checkmate- The name has it all. This is when you or your opponent challenge the other king with a checkmate at the back-rank without it having an escape routes. The king is trapped and thus the game ends in fair trial. Thus, is always advised to castle early in the game. Remember, your king is of exponential value and you don’t want to lose it by mere ignorance.
Fork- Another very popular trick is the fork. In this situation a single piece is in a powerful position. It occurs when a single piece attacks two or more pieces of the opponent at once. It is a win-win situation and the opponent feels trapped. This is also the time you opponent can take hasty decisions, so, be prepared to counter his/her mistake.
Pin- Very similar to a skewer only with slight modification. Here a piece attacks the weaker pieces and thus paralyse it in its place. It can’t move because that would be a threat to a stronger piece and your opponent loses a move by trying to save the later.
Smothered Checkmate- This is indeed tragic situation. This occurs when the king is trapped by its own pieces and cannot move. Though it creates a window for the opponent to take a chance and end the game. An immobile king is of no value if it is in a grave situation like this.
Learning such tricks brings confidence in you and become a better player. However, learning this by mere theoretical knowledge is impossible, unless you experience it. To know more about such tricks and strategies, join Mind Mentorz. The after-school chess academy that enriches your skills.