How does one Castle in chess?

The Chess Blunder

Practicing tactics is a critical way to improve at chess, on top of studying chess books, finding the right coach, playing practice games, etc. However, it is important to realize that no chess player is perfect. We all have this disease holding us back from that rating goal we’ve been reaching for, or from beating your arch-nemesis once and for all. The curse that is eminent in all of our chess games at some point or another is the chess blunder.

Why Do We Blunder In Chess?

Blunders are 100% psychological. That is why computers play flawless … Read more

The tactic in chess

The starting chess player learns chess in basic concepts. We must know the board, the light, and dark squares. Our focus shifts to the warriors of the chessboard. The tactic in chess is very important.

We learn how the Bishop moves this “diagonal” route, the Rook straight up and down, the Queen like a Rook and a Bishop, the Knights these cool though potentially awkward “L-shapes”, etc. What many beginners struggle with is “strategy”… how to formulate a plan and win the game.

For players rated above 1200 ELO, strategy correlates to positional chess. Speaking … Read more

The Initiative in chess

The Initiative in chess sounds like one of those terms only Grandmasters use for commentary. Is this a concept that beginner and intermediate players can pick up as well? Absolutely!

What is this concept that many players struggle to understand? The initiative in chess is the act of creating consecutive threats at your opponent, forcing them to respond. The advantage of having the initiative in your chess games is that when your opponent reacts to your threats, he has no time to formulate a plan of his own, which can give you an overwhelming advantage.

Again, … Read more