Chess Software
Chess Playing Chess Training Database Mgmt Chess Databases Chess for MAC Chess Handhelds
Chess Equipment
Chess Sets/Pieces Chess Boards Chess Boxes/Bags Chess Computers Chess Clocks Schools/Clubs
Chess by Subject
Beginners Chess for Kids Chess Openings      King's Pawn      Queen's Pawn      Various  Middlegame  Endgame   Biographies  Tournaments  Classic Chess  General
Chess by Format
Chess in Print Chess on CD Chess E-Books Chess Download Chess DVDs Chess Magazines
Chess & Beyond
Chess Accessories Chess Art Variant Software eClassics Gift Ideas Gift Wrap
Ordering Info
Shipping Rates Delivery Time Returns Privacy Security Help Contact Us Affiliate Program Link to Us

Chess Goldmine!

Battle Chess and Battle Chess 4000
Chess Software
FREE Demo
 Chess Download!

Read about ChessCentral
 in the
 New York Times

Chess Forum
Help, Tips and
Discussion

Play Chess - Chess Strategy

The best time to trade when you play chess

The best time to trade men when you play chess is when you can capture men worth more than the ones you will be giving up, which is called "winning material" (see Tip 4, Know what the men are worth). But the opportunity to do this may not arise if your opponent is very careful.

Since you will probably have many chances to exchange men when you play chess on an "even" basis, it's useful to know when you should or shouldn't do this. There are several important considerations.

As a general rule, when you play chess , if you have the initiative (your pieces are better developed, and you're controlling the game), try not to exchange men unless it increases your advantage in some clear way. The fewer men each player has, the weaker the attacking player's threats become, and the easier it is for the defending side to meet these threats.

Another time not to trade pieces is when your opponent has a cramped position with little space for the pieces to maneuver. It's tough to move a lot of pieces around in a cramped position, but easier to move just a few.

One sort of advantage you can often gain when you play chess is by trading pieces is a weakening of your opponent's pawn structure. If, for example, you can capture with a piece that your opponent can only recapture in a way that will give him "doubled pawns". it will often be to your advantage to make that trade.

The player who is ahead in material will usually benefit from trades. It's sort of like basketball or soccer; five players will sometimes have trouble scoring against four opposing players, but take away three from each side and the stronger team will find it easier to score with two players against one.

So, to summarize: It's usually good to trade pieces if your opponent has the initiative, if you have a cramped position, if you can weaken your opponent's pawn structure, or if you are ahead in material. There are exceptions, of course, but following these rules should bring you considerable success.

Thank you for visiting our play chess - chess strategy page. If you would like to make a comment on the information on how to play chess - chess strategy, please email us at email@chesscentral.com.

ChessCentral
Guarantee:
Easy Returns
Low Shipping Rates
Prompt Delivery
Secure Servers
Privacy
Customer Support
Post Purchase
Customer Feedback

Chess Sets and
Chess Boards

Chess For Kids
Chess Software and Videos

Join our 
Member's Area for FREE Chess to Download!

Car Books
Helping you buy Porsche Books, Ferrari Books & all automotive books at great prices.