Winning search strategy for intermediate level
Is it difficult for you solving exercises without a theme classification? You don't know where you need to look.
When you are playing a game, what are the signals for you to search for a tactic? With the right search strategy you can do the job! You need to learn to find weaknesses in your opponent's positions. What are questions you can ask yourself:
- Are there any goals to attack (king, pieces or squares)
- Are there pieces in the same row?
- Does a piece have a defending job?
- Is there a piece on the board with little mobility?
Let's look at a few examples:
attacking goals - king, pieces or squares 0-1
Diagram #1
1...Be4+
For a double attack you need to find an unproteced king, pieces or squares. These can be your attacking goals. In the above position you can play:
2.Kf1 Bxb7
pieces on the same row 1 - The pin 1-0
Diagram #2
1.Rd2
Black has two pieces on the same row. The bishop and a king. This gives you the opportunity for an absolute pin!
1... c5 2.c3
Diagram #3
2... Ke8 3.cxd4
pieces with a defending job - removing the guard 1-0
Diagram #4
1.e5
A prominent feature of the above position is the job of defending the black bishop. You need to spot the pieces with defending jobs!
1... Bg5 (1... Bxe5 2.Bxe7)
2.f4
Diagram #5
( 2.h4)
2... Bh6 3.Bxe7
little mobility - trapped pieces 1-0
Diagram #6
1.Kg2
Little mobility is an important clue to possible material gain. In the above position the black rook is in the danger zone!
1... Rh4 (1... Kf7 2.Kxh3 +- )
2.Bxh4 +-
pieces on the same row 2 - discovered attack 0-1
Diagram #7
1...Rb1+
The white king and rook are at the same row, this makes them vulnerable for a discovered attack.
2.Ke2 Rxh1
After reading this blog you are well prepared for your next game. Let me know if this search strategy benefits you!