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
    • TCW Academy
    • Chess-Teacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman Chess Lab
    • Foxy Chess
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
    • Rules Chess Strategies
    • Others
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

7 Rules to Follow When Playing Middlegame

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
10.26.2018
Category: Middle Game
Tags: chess, exchanges, in-between moves, middlegame, pawn structure, positional chess, positional motifs, tension, weaknesses
7 Rules to Follow When Playing Middlegame

Studying middlegames and understanding the most important positional motifs is one of the keys to improvement for every club player. While many young players put a great accent on the opening preparation nowadays, the difference between an experienced chess player and an aficionado is most of the time felt during the middlegame and endgame.

It is usually more difficult to get away with a positional mistake when facing stronger opposition and, in order to avoid this, we advise you to take into account a few things during your game.

1. Pay attention to changes in the pawn structure

One important rule in the positional play is that plans are usually chosen in accordance to the pawn structure. However, the structure doesn’t normally stay the same throughout an entire game. Exchanges happen and, with them, changes in the pawn structure. Always pay attention to this and be aware that plans should usually change accordingly as well.

2. Keep the tension

Central tension is another important aspect in the middlegame. It is commonly known that the player who gives up the tension usually loses the advantage and risks falling into a worse position. This is something you should always keep in the account during your game and avoid reaching a position where you are under pressure. Try to keep the tension as much as you can and choose the right moment to let it go.

3. Look for in-between moves

Intermediate moves can be difficult to find, especially if you are not looking for them in a position. Try to avoid playing rapidly, stop for a moment and look for more candidate moves at all times. Automatic moves, such as recaptures, are moments where we are most likely to overlook an in-between move, so perform one more quick scan before you execute your move.

4. Improve your pieces

A good position needs good piece coordination. Preparing an attack needs central, well-placed pieces as well. This means that you should always look for ways to improve the position of your pieces; identify the ones that have not joined the battle yet and try to find better squares for them.

5. Always look for your opponent’s threats or ideas

Playing a good middlegame doesn’t only involve finding good plans and successfully achieving them. You have an opponent in front of you who is trying to do the same to you and you have to be aware of his ideas as well. This is where prophylaxis – playing against your opponent’s ideas – comes in. Sometimes you need to put your own plan on pause and take a moment to stop your rival from getting active or achieving his idea.

6. Identify the weaknesses and strengths of the position

It is important that every time you decide on a plan you have a clear target of attack. In order to find it, look for weaknesses in your opponent’s position.

It could be a weak square, a weak pawn, a badly placed piece, a weakened king and so on. Identify what the strengths of your position are and then switch sides; it’s equally important that you are aware of the weaknesses in your own position and your opponent’s possible plans.

7. Avoid creating unnecessary weaknesses in your camp

Equal positions where nothing is happening are probably the most difficult to play. This is where many club players fail, in spite of having played a good game so far. Don’t go crazy in this type of positions; keep your calm and don’t play unnecessary pawn moves or launch into an unjustified attack. These decisions usually lead only to a weakening of the position and allow your opponent to get the upper hand.

These are a few guidelines you can follow during your game to help you find good moves that are in accordance with the position. We hope you will find them useful and you will be able to improve your play in the middlegame.

Thank you for reading!

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

  • #1 Most Important Element of Positional Chess#1 Most Important Element of Positional Chess
  • Positional Chess: 10 Reasons to Work on ItPositional Chess: 10 Reasons to Work on It
  • Weaknesses in the Middlegame with IM Mat Kolosowski [TCW Academy]Weaknesses in the Middlegame with IM Mat Kolosowski [TCW Academy]
Related Products
5 1 vote
Article Rating
Login
1 Comment
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Brian
10.26.2018 21:55

Good stuff! Thank you for the article!

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
  • Play Computer
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Money Back PayPal SSL Comodo
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