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Sunday, January 18, 2009

Chess Middlegame

The middlegame in chess refers to the portion of the game that happens after the opening. There is no clear line between the opening and middlegame, and between the middlegame and endgame. In modern chess, the moves that make up an opening blend into the middlegame, so there is no sharp divide. At elementary level, both players will usually have completed the development of all or most pieces. The king will usually have been brought to relative safety. However, at master level, the opening analysis may go well into the middlegame.

Likewise, the middlegame blends into the endgame. There are differing opinions and criteria for when the middlegame ends and the endgame starts (see the start of the endgame). Factors such as control of the center are less important in the endgame than the middlegame. In endgames the number of pieces and pawns is much reduced, though even after queens are traded, one may talk about a "middlegame without queens". The key issue is often said to be: when the kings are safe to play an active role, then it is an endgame.

Theory on the middlegame is less developed than the opening or endgames. Since middlegame positions from game to game are unique, memorization of theoretical variations is not possible as it is in the opening.

Middle Game Tactics in Chess

Good chess attitudes don't win games, good moves do. The mastery of good moves reflects on the middle game. However, the player also needs to play with a positive, sensible plan.
Middle game tactics in chess come immediately after the opening and usually refer to the first move following the parade of moves which make up a normal opening. Players find that it happens somewhere around move twenty. And the middle game blends somewhat with the endgame. Each one tries to strengthen his movements while weakening the opponent's positions.
The objective of the middle game is to develop tactics for capturing more of your opponent's pieces than your opponent can capture from you. Tactics denote the immediate plans that you use to capture your opponent's pieces. Middle game tactics normally involve checking the king. This situation forces the opponent to move the king rather than take your piece.
Another tactic is an attempt made by a player to capture his opponent's pieces for free or by giving low valued pieces. The term 'for free' means that the player captures his opponent's pieces without losing the chess piece that he used to take the opponent's. Taking a bishop or knight with a pawn is an example for the move 'sacrificing for a lower valued piece'. Being able to arrest your opponent's chess pieces for any of the above methods gives you a great chance for winning the game.
When competing with professionals, it is very difficult to maintain appropriate middle game tactics. Chess is a complicated game, and everyone makes mistakes. Good players use good middle game tactics, i.e. they are usually aware of the entire board and find or make openings for them to attack.




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