Chess Strategy. Edward Lasker

King), and tactics point the way in which it is possible to solve such problems. Correct chess strategy will only set such tasks as are tactically possible, and, if we wish to expound the principles of chess strategy, we cannot exclude chess tactics from the field of our observations. If here and there the results of our deliberations bear some analogy to actual warfare, we may certainly give way to a kind of aesthetic satisfaction in that our own occupation has some parallel in real life, but we must never fashion our principles in accordance with such fortuitous circumstances.

      Having surveyed the problems we have to solve, we can now plunge into our subject.

      In the first chapter, when considering special cases in elementary combinations, we have already noticed the important part played in each skirmish by the balance between the attacking and defending units. Speaking quite generally, common-sense will tell us that, in all operations on the chess-board, the main consideration for the defence will be to maintain that balance, and that there is only justification for an attack when it is possible to concentrate more forces on the strategic point than can be mustered by the defence. However, one very important point must not be neglected, though I did not touch upon it when discussing elementary combinations for fear of complicating matters for beginners: the balance between the contending forces is by no means established by their numerical equality. A paramount factor is the mobility of such forces, and as soon as it is no longer one of the elementary cases of capture and recapture described previously, this factor must be taken into account in order to decide, on a general survey, whether there is a sufficient defence to an impending attack, or whether one's own intended attack is likely to prevail. That mobility is the first and foremost consideration should be self-evident, since the relative value of the pieces can only make itself felt by their greater or lesser mobility.

      Except in certain positions, which are brought about by some particular array of the pieces, the intrinsic value of a Rook is greater than that of a Bishop, because it can command all the squares on the board, whilst a Bishop is tied to its own colour; Knight and Bishop are considered equivalent, because the Knight's advantage in being able to act on all the squares of either colour is balanced by the fact that the Bishop can sweep long diagonals. Two Bishops are, generally speaking, of greater value than two Knights, because together they also act on all the squares, and their command of long diagonals is a clear advantage. The whole of this valuation, however, comes to nought when the pieces are hindered in their mobility by the peculiarity of any particular position.

      We will consider one instance from end-game play, and one from the openings.

      In Diagram 13, White derives no advantage from being

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       8 | | | | | | | | |

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       7 | | | | | | | #K | |

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       6 | | #P | | | | #P | | |

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       5 | #P | | #P | | #P | ^P | #P | |

       |———————————————————|

       4 | ^P | | ^P | #Kt| ^P | | | |

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       3 | | ^P | | ^R | | | ^P | ^K |

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       2 | | | | | | | | |

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       1 | | | | | | | | |

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       A B C D E F G H

      Diag. 13

      the exchange to the good, for the Rook has no file which could be used to break into the Black camp.

      In Diagram 14, the numerical equality of forces will not save Black, because bad development reduces the mobility of his pieces to such an extent that he has no resources with which he can parry the impending attack.

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       8 | | | #K | #R | | #B | | #R |

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       7 | | #B | | | #Q | #P | #P | #P |

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       6 | #P | #P | | #P | | | #Kt| |

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       5 | | | #P | ^P | #P | | | |

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       4 | | | ^P | | ^P | | | |

       |———————————————————|

       3 | | ^P | ^Kt| | ^B | ^Kt| ^P | |

       |———————————————————|

       2 | ^P | | | ^Q | | ^P | ^K | ^P |

       |———————————————————|

       1 | ^R | | | | ^R | | | |

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       A B C D E F G H

      Diag. 14

      White will assail the Black King's position on the Queen side, and Black is unable to concentrate his forces quickly enough for the defence of the jeopardised entrenchments. Let us therefore bear in mind that the mobility of the pieces is the deciding factor of their efficiency, and that mobility is the highest criterion by which to judge the merits (or demerits) of their operations.

      We will now consider this principle in its application to the three stages of play, namely, the opening, the middle-game, and the ending.

CHAPTER IV

       Table of Contents

      THE OPENING

      The only pieces available on the first move are the Knights. In order to develop other pieces as well, it is necessary to move pawns first, and such pawn moves will be best as give an outlet to as many pieces as possible. For quick development is of the utmost importance, and he who succeeds first in placing all his pieces, from their initial awkward positions, to such places as give them command of the greatest possible number of squares, has the better chance of concentrating a superior force on some important point.

      It follows that White, having the first move, is, so to speak, always morally justified in attacking, whilst Black should assume the defensive. It is a step in the right direction, to appreciate the truth of this proposition. Unfortunately most beginners fail to realise it, and so pave the way, from the first, to the loss of the game.

      There are not many developing pawn moves to choose from. Apparently from the point of view of quick development only P-K4 and P-Q4 need be considered, since they free both Bishop and Queen, whilst other pawn moves liberate one piece only. Generally speaking it is only required to move two or three pawns to allow all pieces to be developed, and it is good, on principle, to make only such pawn moves in the opening, which are necessary for the