Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • iChess
    • ChessTeacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman`s Chess Lab
    • Foxy Series
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

How to Defend in Chess — 7 Most Important Defense Principles

Yury Markushin
Yury Markushin
05.29.2015
Category: General Information
Tags: attacking chess, chess, defense,

The art of defense at chess is a very important and serious subject neglected by many amateur players. These players mostly focus on attacking chess, tactics and sacrifices. It is indeed important to know how to attack at chess, but it is equally important to understand how to play solid defense and get yourself out of hard positions. After reading today’s article you will learn about seven most important principles of defense at chess, and hopefully will be able to apply those in your own games.

 

 

Defense Principle #1. Identify the threats

It is a good principle to always think about the defense first. After your opponent makes a move you should access all changes that occurred on the board as well as identify all threats that that move may possess. You should always ask yourself the following questions:

1. What is the idea behind this move?

2. What is opponent threatening/defending?

3. What would be the strongest response to your move?

In the position below black just played 1…Qb6 protecting the knight. However it is clear that this is not just a defensive move. At the same time, black threatens to take on f2 since both his bishop and the queen are attacking this vulnerable square. It is important to identify all of the ideas and threats behind each of the opponent’s moves so that you can react accordingly.

White to move

Defense Principle #2. Keep the back rank protected

There is countless number of games that ended with a quick back rank mate because one of the sides did not pay enough attention to this very important element. Always keep in mind that safety of the king is the top priority. Back rank is something that makes the castled king very vulnerable if it is unprotected.

In the position below it is white to move. The a7-pawn is unprotected and white can grab it with a rook winning the pawn, and entering the 7th rank with initiative. But, if we look at the position closely that comes at a price. And that price is very high. White’s back rank is unprotected and if he was to play 1. Rxa7??, black would end the game instantly after 1…Re1#.

White however saw that threat and played 1.g4! keeping positional edge.

White to move

Tip

If you want to improve your positional chess and start converting more middlegames into wins, you should give a try to our training course which covers most important middlegame positions in a step-by-step easy to follow and understand way.

start chess training

Defense Principle #3. Keep all of your pieces protected

Keeping all of your pieces protected will promote safety and give you piece of mind. Often we have a tendency to advance our pieces deeper into enemy’s territory without worrying too much about safety. A general rule of thumb which is especially important to remember for amateur players is too keep all of your pieces defended by another piece and pawn. That will minimize the possibility of a quick fork, double attack or skewer.

In the example below white needs to think about safety. Black has a strong move Qa5, double attacking the bishop and giving a check. White can tackle that problem in two ways.

The first way is to play something like Bb3, putting the bishop to safety. Another way is to simply castle, removing the possibility of check in a first place.

What way do you think is better? Indeed, castling (probably king’s side) looks like a more logical option because not only it eliminates the double attack problem, but also puts the king to safety and connects the rooks. Always go for the most “useful” move, that accomplishes more than one thing at the same time.

White to move

Defense Principle #4. When you’re short in space – simplify

This is a common sense rule, but nevertheless, many players miss it. If you are down in space, you have much less territory to maneuver your pieces. With each piece you exchange, it will be that much easier for you to play. At the same time, you will be able reposition your remaining pieces for better defense or attack, partially negating your opponent’s space advantage.

In the example below white is desperately short on space. The best bet for him is to exchange pieces and try to organize a counter-attack on the queen’s side. The correct move here would be to play 1. Qxa6.

White to move

Defense Principle #5. Exchange off your opponent’s best attacking piece

By exchanging off your opponent’s strongest piece you will be able to significantly decrease his attacking possibilities. For example, in position below white has a very strong dark square bishop that threatens black king’s safety. Black manages to find a way to force and exchange and equalize inferior position.

White to move

Defense Principle #6. Avoid pins and skewers

You should always think of pinned or skewered pieces as those pieces who lose their mobility and value. Ideally you should anticipate and prevent getting your pieces pinned or skewered. If that happened you should try to find a way to break the pin or skewer and free the piece. Sometimes that requires creativity.

In the example below white is in trouble. The queen is skewered to the rook and cannot move because of the mate threat. White also cannot take on e7 with a queen since it loses material and the game. However, white has a trick up his sleeve that allows him to stay in the game. White can give a check by playing 1. Qb2+, breaking the skewer and saving the day.

White to move

Defense Principle #7. If you’re in trouble – counter attack

This rule is especially important. Sometimes when we are under pressure it is very hard to make good decisions and our defense collapses.

In the position below white is in trouble. Not only he is a pawn down, but it seems like the b3 and the rest of the queen’s side will follow. White’s rook is misplaced and cannot protect the pawns. In this case, the best option for white is to counter-attack black’s c and b-pawns, complicating the position and staying in the game.

The correct move is 1. Rd7!

White to move

Tip:

In order to understand how to play middle-games well it is important to have deep positional understanding. In order to improve your positional understanding we suggest you to sign up for our comprehensive training course.

Over 1,000 chess players have already benefited from our training . Don’t wait, start winning chess games today.

Now you know how to defend in chess.

Ready to apply chess defense principles? Check out our store and articles:

  • Important Principles in Chess – IM Valeri Lilov
  • 10 Classic Chess Principles You Need to Know
Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • How To Become Better At Defense?How To Become Better At Defense?
  • sicilian defense10 Best Games on Sicilian Defense
  • attacking king at the centerAttacking King in The Center: Part 2
Related Products
2 1 vote
Article Rating
Login
2 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
bhogirath halder
09.25.2019 08:22

i am really overwhelmed to see the explanation. crores of thanks sir

0
Reply
anson
10.09.2018 04:14

this will hepl me

0
Reply
Join the FREE Road to 2200 Masterclass (and learn how to Attack Like a Chess Master)
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2023 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz
wpDiscuz