The Hidden Laws of Chess. Volume 2 Mastering Dynamics - Nick Maatman, 2025.pdf

(13413 KB) Pobierz
1
Contents
Introduction
Part I
- Thinking
Chapter 1
- Calculation
Chapter 2
- Judgment
Part II
- Sacrifices
Chapter 3
- Pseudo-sacrifices
Chapter 4
- Real sacrifices
Part III
- Dynamic pawn play
Chapter 5
- g2-g4
Chapter 6
- h2-h4
Chapter 7
- Quiz
Bibliography
2
Introduction
You must take your opponent into a deep dark forest where 2+2=5,
and the path leading out is only wide enough for one.
– Mikhail Tal
What is a Hidden Law of Chess? Chess is a game of perfect
information, meaning that both players are perfectly informed of all
the events that have occurred since the start of the game up to the
present situation; there is no hidden information, as each player can
see all the pieces on the board at all times. A small set of rules
stipulates what both players can and cannot do, and they have a
clear pre-determined objective. Naturally, the players try to fulfill
their objective by optimizing the positioning of their forces.
Given the specific ruleset of chess, there are good and bad ways to
play the game. With
The Hidden Laws of Chess,
I refer to the deeper
patterns that underlie good play. This is sufficiently vague to give us
many directions we can go in!
In this book we will cover a large variety of topics. Central is the
theme of dynamics. We will discuss the intricacies of material
(im)balance in chess. This includes flashy combinations, but also
long-term sacrifices where we are looking for a multitude of ways to
obtain compensation. There is also a full chapter that covers tools
for calculation, which form the foundation of dynamic chess.
Moreover, we cover and introduce several chess concepts, such as
field of vision, the impact of error and the price of a move. These
concepts seem to be borrowed from biology and economy manuals,
but they have a distinct application in chess.
In Volume One, we studied pawn structures. It turns out that in
different pawn structures, distinctive guidelines can be established.
For a study of dynamics, we need a different approach. Dynamics
3
cannot be characterized in terms of particular types of positions.
Rather, dynamics are present in any position, albeit to a greater or
lesser degree. Nevertheless, it is possible to make generalizations.
Dynamic energy tends to be high in open positions with fewer or no
(central) pawns, while dynamic energy is lower in closed positions
with many (central) pawns. Still, these are not the type of
generalizations that we are looking for in this book. We will rather
discuss all sorts of positions and pay close attention to situations
where dynamics give rise to new opportunities.
What are dynamics? If we want to understand dynamics, we need to
do a broad study of
imbalances.
The meaning of
dynamics
becomes
most apparent when contrasted to
statics.
Material and pawn
structure can be regarded as
static forces.
Their presence on the
board is persistent. Typically, having a significant material
advantage should often bring victory. If you have more or higher-
quality forces to work with, it should be a matter of time and
technique before the static forces can be leveraged.
Why is pawn structure also characterized as a static force? Since
pawns can only move forward and not sideways, deficiencies in
pawn structures can be hard to correct. Isolated doubled pawns are
an example of a static defect that can cause long-lasting problems. It
is permanent static deficiencies that can easily be exploited by the
opposition.
Dynamic forces
on the other hand are impermanent. These forces
comprise of aspects such as activity, harmony, coordination, and
king safety. Dynamic forces have a fleeting character because their
effects can be increased or decreased with every turn. For instance,
the defending side can catch up in development, or a vulnerable
king can find shelter. Together, the static and dynamic forces
determine the evaluation of a position.
One way to look at dynamics is in terms of quality versus quantity.
The most notable dynamic imbalance arises when one side sacrifices
4
material. This gives the attacking player the burden of proof – the
material disadvantage is static and hence permanent. So, the
attacking side needs to regain the material immediately or search for
long-term
compensation.
This is a subject that we will cover
extensively in Chapter 4. Compensation can be found in a large
variety of areas, such as superior pawn structure, the exploitation of
weaknesses, vulnerability of the king, superior piece placement, etc.
The attacking side claims that his or her pieces are of superior
quality, despite the numerical material deficit. Remember:
sacrificing material is not a big deal – your remaining pieces simply
have to work a little harder!
Dynamics are the condition of generating energy on the chessboard.
Pieces are cooperating with such harmony that they strengthen each
other. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle asserted that, ‘The
whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’ Or, in simpler terms:
2+2=5, as Mikhail Tal said so famously at the start of this
introduction. When dynamic energy is high, the material balance on
the board is no longer relevant. All that matters is the function that
the pieces are
currently
performing on the board. If dynamic energy
is high, material gain can be guaranteed, or the opposing forces may
be so restricted that it will be impossible for them to become active.
Dynamics and statics are like
yin
and
yang.
Despite their contrarian
nature, they are complementary. When dynamics and statics are in
balance, we often speak of dynamic equality: the dynamic energy of
one side fully compensates for their static deficits. However, when
static and dynamic forces are out of balance, one of the armies will
be victorious. If the static forces are prominent, the defending side
will slowly be squeezed and eventually go down without a real
fight. There is little room for counterplay. On the other hand, if
dynamic forces are prominent, the carnage will be swift. All the
dynamic energy is bundled together, and the opposing army is
quickly overwhelmed.
5

Plik z chomika:

Inne pliki z tego folderu:

Inne foldery tego chomika:

Zgłoś jeśli naruszono regulamin