Chess is mainly about confidence. Contrary to what people think – Knowledge is not power – at least in chess. Self-confidence is the real power needed for Breaking into the top.
Have you seen the strong chess players keeping calm, despite all the turmoil happening at the chessboard?
Well, if you noticed, they are exuding a confident approach to the position and also seem to enjoy it.
How is the super-achievers Breaking into the top of their chess categories?
Here is my take on this question. Having two decades of chess training and teaching online chess lessons to smart kids I think I see something common in all the bright lights.
4 Qualities that Super Achievers have
1. Regular and daily practice.
Self-confidence is a by-product of regular practice.
I am not talking about the Super GMs who are at the very top – but my interest is in my students, who are dedicated to climbing the chess ladder of their category. Even if the position on the chessboard is not encouraging, they will not give up without a fight.
They have experienced, how lost positions can be salvaged by sheer tenacity. That experience in the training regimen will serve them the required confidence.
I can understand the difficulties in the past when there were no proper resources to help us in our chess learning. Nowadays we can get almost any information in a jiffy. BUT, there is also a drawback in this age of unabashed googling, and that is – everything seems confusing and distracting.
If all the information was presented in a properly structured format, customized to the understanding levels of the aspirants, then it is a blessing in disguise.
All this is happening due to the plethora of learning options available, to these kids. Whether it is in getting a decent game to play every day with their peers or to learn chess online every other day with their coaches who may be living on the other side of the world, they are blessed with choices!
3. Physical exercise and Stamina
You must be thinking, they don’t complete a hectic training session every day. It can just as well be walking, low-impact weight lifting, Tai Chi, or Yoga. The keynote here is not the type of physical exercise, but the idea to treat our bodies and minds like a temple to worship.
Whereas average people tend to take care of their physical health only when they have a small jolt, super-achievers have it as one of their top priorities.
Let’s take Barack Obama as an example. Do you know how his day starts?
It begins with exercise, of course.
So does that allow you to have an excuse? If the President of the USA has time to exercise daily, why not you?
4. Show eagerness to learn either in online chess lessons or sparring sessions
In my two decades of chess coaching experience, I have noticed that the super-achievers I have coached in my online chess lessons have some things in common – they are eager, fascinated, almost voracious learners.
These people are not just learning in my chess classes and tournaments. They look at every problem, every test, every impediment, as an opportunity to learn more and improvise.
They prioritize time for personal leisure, other classes, chess coaching, and reading relevant chess material. No wonder they are Breaking into the top of whatever they endeavor.
The days we spend without learning anything new, are the days that go wasted.
Make me a scientist of the commonplace puzzling over the mystery of daily stuff, wordlessly probing for the Great Mystery, the Mother of wonders and the awesome.
These kids spend a lot of time honing their skills and they come out with positive results. And even if they don’t get success now, they know it is not going to be long before they succeed.
While teaching online chess lessons, I have noticed that the main ingredient for chess improvement, is a natural curiosity that kids have for understanding the unknown. My students get to appreciate the finer aspects when I mix the game lesson with practical real-world stories.
After all who doesn’t like stories?
Is there a reason why Chess is booming?
Very simple. Lots of resources are available now as compared to two decades ago. No wonder, the age threshold of Grandmasters-in-the-making is going lower and lower, every day.
Interested in online chess lessons?
Here at Golden Chess Centre, we are committed to making the benefits of chess, accessible to all.
Sometimes our best lessons in chess, lie in the lost games. We can analyze these games and improve our understanding. Things like what knowledge we need to attain, what skill we need to tune better, to improve our chess game.
You decide how to apply your past learning experience, to either avoid another defeat or to find the results you strive for Breaking into the top.
Let’s analyze your strengths and weaknesses, and come up with a specific plan to take your game to a new level and open your vision to new possibilities… and enjoy it, even more!
FYI We use Zoom, Google, or Skype and our customized training portal with practice assignments for the energetic learner!
9 EASY Steps to Online Chess Classes – Golden Chess Centre
Virtual Chess Room for Training and Playing online for our students who are staying indoors!
We are pleased to announce online chess classes for all students globally, above 5 years of age. For those outside India, you will have to register for a demo session first. After the demo class, we will design the schedule and pace of the class especially reflecting the speed and comfort.
Our chess academy classes are now ONLINE Chess Classes!
We are forced to stay inside our homes as a precautionary measure due to the coronavirus outbreak. Whether we like it or not this is the new normal.
Given the number of requests we’ve had for virtual chess classes (as an alternative to our academy direct classes), we have arranged all our training resources in one place for you. Online.
Many of you who were not having time due to the schools’ exams, would like to take this break as a time to train harder.
Online Chess classes are a fun, rewarding, and engaging experience for kids to learn chess in a focused virtual classroom setting.
We will work with the students to develop their chess knowledge and skill, and this in turn helps develop an understanding of the real world and learn relevant lessons through their efforts.
Our students have a great time learning and building confidence and self-esteem by solving challenging scenarios and having a culture, that celebrates effort rather than just success.
Students will experience this value in all of our sessions as they learn chess and life skills, which will prepare them to excel in chess and life.
Chess classes are ranked around various levels of chess knowledge that develop students from the basics to an advanced understanding of the game of chess.
Tech-savvy Kids
We believe in quality over quantity.
We highly recommend parents to sit along with and attend the online chess classes for kids, especially if the child is lesser than 7 years of age.
This way they will be there as a support system and also provide family involvement.
Family participation is very important to inculcate the seriousness of their endeavours in children.
We want to make sure the students have a great support system with their families at home.
What is the procedure for Online Chess Classes?
Please read the below points and let us know if you have any doubts.
Preliminary technical requirements for the online chess class:
1. Internet connection with decent speed (even Mobile hotspot will suffice)
2. Laptop or PC or even a Mobile
3. Headset or earphone recommended.
Software requirements for the online chess class:
4. Skype with ID (preferable with the child’s name). You can install Skype on your mobile too. It is advisable to take a test call with us, before registering for the online chess class.
In this article, I am discussing the Milestones in Chess and what are the obstacles in reaching them – a thought that came to my mind one lazy afternoon. We all know that Rome was not built in a day. The same applies to chess achievements. One brick at a time and the chess expertise is built. We all know that going slow and steady is what it takes to reach a milestone.
What are the Milestones in Chess, the prerequisites, and more importantly, how to sustain our motivation and achieve them eventually?
Some important Milestones in Chess are:
Grandmaster Title
International Master
Fide Master Title
Candidate master and
Fide Rating.
While striving to reach these milestones is desirable, understanding the way to approach these goals is more essential, to make the journey smooth and enjoyable. During my online chess classes, one of my students actually asked me about this and that made me think that I had never given a thought to it to date.
Heeded my words not, did you? Pass on what you have learned. Strength, mastery. But weakness…folly…failure, also. Yes, failure most of all. The greatest teacher, failure is. Luke…we are what they grow beyond. That is the true burden of all masters.” – Yoda’s Force spirit to Luke Skywalker
How do we reach (and cross) the general and personal Milestones in Chess?
What are the ingredients that make up for a successful accomplishment? How can we maintain the momentum that we had when we first started?
What I really believe in, is the idea that a real journey is no different from an inner one.
Where there is fun, merriment, and company, the journey becomes less tedious and appears less time-consuming.
Here are my personal tips to help my students achieve and enjoy chess pursuits.
So the first step is to make sure that you are passionate about this = Deeply passionate.
By that, I mean that your whole day must be engrossed in this single passion. You can relax but at the end of the day if you did not dwell in your pursuit of chess goals, then it is not an earnest endeavor.
You are not channeling your inner force. This inner force will push you in the proper direction. Always.
The force that was referred to by the Star Wars Jedi Master in the very famous line – “May the force be with you”.
To live with this passion in the back of your mind, will create that inner impetus to work on the daily practice. This was and is still the driving force for me.
Back then when I first started as a chess player in the ’90s – and now as a chess coach – whenever I am doing other things non-chess, I am always yearning to come back to my chess-zone.
Form a group that shares your passion = Together we win.
Join a club or create an informal one, with like-minded friends if there is none! That way the energy levels will be sustained.
When I was an amateur, I used to invite a lot of chess friends to my place for long hours of study. And they helped me get back to shape, when my energy was low, due to some off-days. Those were the non-internet era.
That was actually a boon for me as, if I had not had these friends to push me up, I would have quit and stagnated, resigning to my fate.
Nowadays we have the groups formed automatically when we are taking online chess classes – if not the coach will help in this regard.
Even a family can sometimes become a group – if all of them are chess lovers!
Teach someone = Moral responsibility.
Yes… it may be strange to hear but teaching someone will give you a sense of what you have understood fully and what you have only a superficial understanding of.
You will be morally responsible and that will bring sincerity to your efforts.
I gained a lot by teaching some younger players a few things about chess training software and in return, I was daily increasing my knowledge by conscious reinforcements and boosting my energy levels.
I was also subconsciously learning my future job!
Here, I tell my students to teach their parents or siblings, or grandparents whenever they have a chess aficionado in the family.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions whether in online chess classes or casual sparring games = Fearlessness.
Sometimes a stronger player will take the pains to teach you something ONLY if you bother to ask.
Just try it.
I have met quite a few good souls who later on turned out to be good friends on my chess journey!
You can try it out in your club or during a tournament. I encourage my students in online chess classes and in my chess centers to have that camaraderie. Sometimes these friendships go beyond chess boundaries.
Don’t be afraid of criticism = No Ego.
Sometimes players who are far younger or older than you will chide you for your game quality – take it in your stride.
After all, that soul is giving you a free lesson! These nifty tips will be in your memory for a long time. I once remember how I had my first lesson not to be too overconfident when my Grunfeld defense was ripped apart by an elderly player.
For those of you who may be curious – he was non-other than the legendary late Mr. Dakshinamoorthy from Chennai (Theagaraya Nagar to be precise). He had since then taught me – and countless others like me – so many wonderful chess lessons, many of which were in silent communion, that I can never describe.
Maybe one day I will write about him.
Spend some time doing self-study = Gaining momentum.
That is the most important tip I cannot stress enough.
Too many students of mine need to be weaned off the spoon-feeding that they undergo as beginners either in online chess classes or academy lessons.
When they reach a certain level they must be forced to study on their own for some time, daily.
This will give them a sense of achievement that will drive them to pursue their personal Milestones in chess.
A coach can only act as a battery charger. The ‘capacity of the battery’ is what you will be increasing, by engaging in dedicated self-study. It’s your privilege and responsibility for this life.
Meditate daily. It is the hidden compass in your life that will constantly guide you on your path. Calm your mind and let the noise settle down. Undertake this on a daily basis. Now you will notice that you have clarity while working on your chess.
Take a break, once a week. After all, you are the boss of your own practice. Give yourself a cheat day. Enjoy the view while traveling!
Exercise regularly. While everyone knows that exercise is a good idea, the scientific evidence about its benefits in old age is there for all to see. Remember that Chess has to retirement age. So if you love chess you will be playing it for a long time to come and for that, you need to be healthy and fit.
I hope you liked this article. If you can do me a favor and spread the word.
Let us help chess players who are struggling to reach their personal milestones in chess.
I know because I was also once there in that plateau.
Over the last two decades, I’ve trained more than 500 students in chess, from India and abroad through online chess classes.
My experience helps me to identify the weak spots in the student’s chess armor, and that is where I provide help in making them reach their personal Milestones in chess.
Many of these students went on to become school champions, district champions, state champions and went on to participate in national and international level chess events having achieved a decent FIDE rating up to 1900-2000 and an online rating of 2300 to 2500.
If you want to take private lessons, do drop me a line at kishchess at Gmail dot com. To know more about online chess classes click here.
Intermediate chess player study tips for improvement in chess – Part 1
What to do when playing against a master?
Last week I received an email from an old student of mine asking me what next to study. He said – “Dear coach, I am stuck, and I’ve been thinking about taking your advice on what to do to improve my game. I have been going steadily from 800 to 1300 for the last 1.5 years, and now it’s been 6 months since I can raise my rating levels. Any resources or online chess classes for me to pursue?
Should I be worried that I am not doing something correctly? And if that is the case, what am I doing wrong?”.
I knew that like him many intermediate chess players were feeling lost in limbo land (and I was there some 20 years ago, so I know well enough what it’s like, with no proper guidance).
Who is this article for?
If your answer to the following questions –
Are you an upcoming intermediate-level chess player also wanting to improve at chess after being stuck?
Do you think that there is some vital information that you are missing in your chess training?
Are you feeling guilty about wasting your time reading books that are not helping you in any way or doing things that just seem to be a waste of your time?
Is YES, then the answer lies in – introspection and taking active steps.
And a new approach – Reading chess books with a chess coach.
Let me explain.
This post is for intermediate chess players who want to improve their chess skills to the next stage.
At this stage, most of the chess enthusiasts are on the verge of losing hopes of improvement.
Why does this happen? Some of them simply do not want to do any more work as they think they have done enough.
However, most of them do not have proper guidance to quality chess manuals for the needed push to the next levels.
The big question for every intermediate chess player is what should an intermediate chess player study
Step 1 – Take stock of your chess knowledge, and what you should learn!
After acquainting yourself to the ideas of basic gameplay in your chess games, you must be now ready to understand how long-term factors actually dictate the outcome of chess games.
These areas are so vast that you must engage in all resources to move you forward in gaining chess knowledge.
If you cannot enlist the help of a chess coach through online chess classes (or direct classes), then you will need these resources to start with.
In my chess classes for intermediate and advanced players, I usually advise my students who are avid readers to read a particular book.
However, since I do not know you (the reader) personally, I can only list some general evergreen resources for you to read and understand.
Take notes and mark what you think is important from these books.
As an intermediate player, you can probably spot certain typical and basic tactics and defend against the same tactics.
Now it’s time to develop the positional side of your game for further advancement.
both by Aron Nimzowitsch. Two great books by a great player.
These books take you through important themes of positional play.
The books give a concrete theory and give proof-of-concept demonstration games.
Though they are classic old school, the teachings still hold ground for the budding players.
I consider them a must for chess enthusiasts. I remember as a frustrated player having taken to these books like a fish to water.
Aron Nimzowitsch was an excellent writer and an elite master. If there was some book unanimously labelled as a classic this would come pretty close to it.
On a personal note, I found the Praxis book better in the long run, but that was only after I understood his ‘My System’ book.
You can use the Praxis book as a reference manual to better understand the concepts in the System as I did, or you can read the System book for now.
This one comes as a surprise for many when I suggest taking this book seriously.
In fact, I am myself guilty of having sidelined this book when I first bought it.
It was only when I read a few chapters that I discovered that it was a treasure trove of ideas in an area that is often neglected – viz pawn structures – doubled pawns, isolated pawns, hanging pawns and central pawn majorities.
I am sure you will find the study of this book is rewarding and will throw an added layer of understanding to your chess.
One small word of caution: the book is only about 1.d4 openings.
However, the ideas Sokolov explains are applicable to all openings than the ones used in this book.
A companion to the Sokolov book, a blog about the book, Mauricio Flores is including recent (or old) games where you can see how the theory of the book are applied, and how even sometimes Grandmasters don’t find the best option – read his blog
How Purdy Won: 1st World Champion of Correspondence Chess – Purdy is among the best chess writers I have read at par with the likes of Dan Heisman or Irving Chernev (for beginners and intermediates).
When I first heard his name I thought Purdy… who?
And that is because his books are now quite old and almost forgotten.
But he writes in an easy to read and understand format and his annotations are easy to follow – he writes for the casual player who wants to improve.
The reason I singled this book out is that it covers basic theory and examples of openings, middle games, and end games.
However, if you are lingering in the 1350-1400 range try attempting this book by the same author – The Search for Chess Perfection.
The reason is that he discusses in detail his thinking technique which is akin to Silman’s techniques.
Purdy’s passion and dedication to chess are seen in his writings.
Very few authors can explain the concepts in layman terms.
And most importantly, Purdy’s writing style is so enjoyable, that it can be visited again and again; this helps to reinforce his teachings.
Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
And what better way to learn about chess truth than a Correspondence Chess Champion?
I suggest reading his other books too. For a detailed listing look hereat Amazon.
* Intermediate chess player study resource #4 –
How to Reassess Your Chess: Chess Mastery Through Chess Imbalances.
Reassess Your Chess Workbook.
Both these by Jeremy Silman are worth their weight in gold.
The reason I am suggesting an intermediate chess player study both books is that they are connected in terms of teaching the concept and reinforcing them.
However, if you intend to buy only one I would suggest – How to Reassess Your Chess: Chess Mastery Through Chess Imbalances (though I am sure you will get the other books after reading this one).
There is one caveat though – if initially, you feel that he is way above your head despair not.
Do a re-run, and you will see that he sinks in slowly.
And one more caution – Don’t play blitz while reading these books – you will almost always lose on time as your mind grapples with Silmanesque techniques – that is what Silman does to the reader!
So do not worry about the stagnation and what an intermediate chess player study regimen is all about.
When you are happy doing something without worrying about the result, then this is a moment of celebration.
As usual comments and feedback are welcome. Please let me know if you found the suggestions useful!
When not playing or teaching chess at Golden Chess Centre, the author Kish Kumar spends time playing with Hazel and Jia (Labrador Retrievers)! Contact him on his Facebook page.
Golden Chess Centre conducts regular online chess classes for beginners, intermediates and advanced level players and direct chess classes for upcoming chess players in Nanganallur, Madipakkam, Adambakkam, Moovarasampet, Kilkattalai, Kovilambakkam, Puzhuthivakkam, Ullagaram and Pazhavanthangal – Chennai
Get in touch to know more, in case you are interested!
Last night I read this parable on Chess and meditation as told by Osho. A young man, who had a bitter disappointment in life, went to a remote monastery and said to the Master, ”I am disillusioned with life and wish to attain enlightenment to be freed from these sufferings. But I have no capacity for sticking long at anything. I could never do long years of meditation and study and austerity. I would relapse and be drawn back to the world again, painful though I know it to be. Is there any short way for people like me?”
”There is,” said the Master, ”if you are really determined. Tell me, what have you studied? What have you concentrated on most in your life?” ”Why, nothing really. We were rich and I did not have to work. I suppose the thing I was really interested in was chess; I spent most of my time at that.”
The Master thought for a moment and then said to his attendant, ”Call such-and-such a monk, and tell him to bring a chessboard and men.” But the attendant said, ”Sir, that monk does not know how to play chess.” The Master said, ”Don’t be worried. You simply call him.”
The monk came with the board and the Master set up the men. He sent for a sword and showed it to the two. ”Oh monk,” he said, ”you have vowed obedience to me as your Master, and now I require it of you. You will play a game of chess with this youth, and if you lose I shall cut off your head with this sword.”
Chess and meditation – the story continues.
And the monk does not know much about chess. Maybe he can recognize the chessboard, or maybe he has played once or twice when he was young. But to put this man against this young, rich man, who has never done anything but play chess, is simply a death warrant. And then the Master says, ”You have surrendered to me, and you have told me I can do anything I want with your life or with your death. Now the moment has come. If you lose I shall cut off your head with this sword.”
And a naked sword is there in the hands of the Master, and he is standing just close by. ”But I promise that if you die by my hand, you will be born in paradise. If you win, I shall cut off the head of this man. Chess is the only thing he has ever tried hard at, and if he loses he deserves to lose his head also.” They looked at the Master’s face and saw that he meant it: he would cut off the head of the loser.
They began to play. With the opening moves, the youth felt the sweat trickling down to his heels as he played for his life. The chessboard became the whole world; he was entirely concentrated on it. At first, he had somewhat the worst of it, but then the other made an inferior move and he seized his chance to launch a strong attack. As his opponent’s position crumbled, he looked covertly at him. He saw a face of intelligence and sincerity, worn with years of austerity and effort.
The other was a beggar – a BHIKKHU – his eyes were silent and calm. He was not disturbed even by the idea of death. He was playing because of the Master’s request, and he had surrendered himself so there was no problem in it. Even if paradise were not promised, then too, he would have to follow. He was playing calm and quiet. His eyes were very silent and very intelligent – and the young man is winning! and the monk’s moves are going all wrong! The young man looked at the monk – the grace, the austerity, the beauty, the silence, the intelligence.
Chess and Zen = Chess and meditation
He thought of his own worthless life, and a wave of compassion came over him. He decided: ”To let this man die is unnecessary. If I die, nothing is lost to the earth. I am a stupid man, I have wasted my life, I have nothing. This man has worked hard, disciplined his life, has lived a life of austerity, a life of meditation, and prayer. If he is killed that will be a loss.” Great compassion arose in him. He deliberately made a blunder and then another blunder, ruining his position and leaving himself defenseless.
The Master suddenly leaned forward and upset the board. The two contestants sat stupefied. ”There is no winner and no loser,” said the Master slowly. ”There is no need to fall here. Only two things are required, ” and he turned to the young man, ”complete concentration and compassion. You have today learned them both. You were completely concentrated on the game, but then in that concentration, you could feel compassion, and sacrifice your life for it. Now, stay here a few months and pursue our training in this spirit and your enlightenment is sure. He did so and got it.
A tremendously beautiful story. The Master created a situation and showed the whole path. This is DIRECT – showing the path. He showed all that can be shown!
There are only two things different – and similar – between Chess and meditation.
Meditation means being utterly absorbed into something, totally absorbed into something, completely lost. If you are dancing and only the dance remains and the dancer is forgotten, then it is meditation. If you are gambling and only gambling remains and the gambler disappears, then it is meditation.
It can be any activity. Meditation is not averse to any activity. Meditation requires only one thing: be absorbed in it totally, whatsoever it is.
For Zen all that matters is totality, utter concentration, absorbed, lost, drunk into it. So much so that you are not standing behind aloof. This is fundamental.
Chess players enjoy stunning victories, yet they also suffer harsh losses. Getting too bogged down in the lost outcomes can lead to depressing thoughts that will hamper your full potential – leading to a lack of confidence. And while winning can be good for instant gratification, too much happiness can lead to over-confidence.
I tell my students that, for me, Chess and meditation are both the same. Why they would ask?
Because, when I play, all thoughts from my ever-thinking clunky mind, disappear. All that remains are the 64 squares. Thoughts related to business or day to day activities vanish.
That is why many people who see professional players with poker faces, think it is boring because they cannot fathom the deep stillness that every serious chess player feels. But if only they could feel that moment of being there, watching only chess moves analyzed sub-consciously by the brain, they will understand what Chess and meditation are all about, actually.
Ref: Message from Masters ” Zen: The Path of Paradox, Vol 3 ” – Osho
Hey, I’m Kish Kumar. Over the last two decades, I’ve trained more than 500 students in chess, from India and abroad through online chess classes.
My experience helps me to identify the weak spots in the student’s chess armor, and that is where I provide help in making them reach their personal Milestones in chess.
Many of these students went on to become school champions, district champions, state champions and went on to participate in national and international level chess events having achieved a decent FIDE rating up to 1900-2000 and an online rating of 2300 to 2500. If you want to take private lessons, do drop me a line at kishchess at Gmail dot com.
To know more about online chess classes click here.
Every chess player wonders Which is stronger – Bishop or Knight and has their own thoughts regarding this.
The confusion is even more if they are just beginning their chess practice.
That is because they are both assigned a numerical value of 3 and hence the confusion regarding which is stronger – Bishop or Knight?
When my students are just starting to learn chess, they have this idea that Bishops are more powerful than Knights.
Why? The reason according to them was that Bishops can travel long distances compared to Knights hence the bias towards Bishops.
But when they start training in our online chess classes and learn more about chess positions, they realize that it is not quite so simple as it seems to be.
Some of my students are just the opposite; they prefer to keep Knights on the board and exchange Bishops readily.
And they win games with their Knights against clueless opponents who have no idea of the cunning knight’s tricks!
If you are wondering, which is better, Knight or Bishop, then this article may guide you (or confuse you even further, who knows?)
The debate between Bishop and Knight is still going on!
In this article, we are going to go in-depth in the nitty-gritty about – Which is stronger – Bishop or Knight?
Many players incline towards bishops and even some World Chess Champions like Fischer and Steinitz favored the Bishop over a Knight.
Chigorin stood out as a different player and preferred Knights against Bishops.
I am not sure if there were others like him. But I personally like to keep knights on board due to their unpredictable nature.
My opponents usually misread the power of the knight.
If one of the knights landed on the square d6 or f5 then usually the game would end in my favor.
To have a sample of each piece’s prowess let’s look at some games that highlight the same.
Sample game 1 – The Power of the Double Bishop advantage
Below is the well-known game between Max Harmonist and Siegbert Tarrasch in the Berlin variation where many kibitzers and even Nimzowitsch in his celebrated book ‘My System‘demonstrates this as a poignant reminder of the dual bishops’ advantage.
Sample game 2 – The Power of the Knights against the Bishops
And now it is time to witness the knight’s power against bishops played between the great legends Emanuel Lasker vs Mikhail Chigorin. It is instructive and worth replaying.
This game is a fantastic show of knight blockade, one would say after move 14.Bd3+- so Lasker must have thought, but some magic happened and Chigorin won!
When to prefer a Bishop?
When the position is open.
When to prefer a Knight?
When the position is closed.
Knights are more powerful in the opening and middlegame in chess, especially when there are a lot of pawns and pieces on the chessboard.
This is the time when Knights are very hot to handle. Handle them with care.
This is because Knights have a unique L-shaped move, which makes chess players have a really hard time understanding/predicting what they would do next.
In this context, Bishops are more predictable than Knights, even for advanced chess players.
Which is stronger – Bishop or Knight?
To sum up – Which is stronger – Bishop or Knight?
Generally, the Bishop is stronger than the Knight.
But there are exceptions where the Knight is stronger than the Bishop and these are:
Hey, I’m Kish Kumar.
Hey, I’m Kish Kumar. Over the last two decades, I’ve trained more than 500 students in chess, from India and abroad through online chess classes.
