CHESMAYNE
creamcoffee
Update: the glossary
below contains the most important keywords in the dictionary in a ‘text format’
only - quick & easy!
Glossary-A
Accept
To take/capture an offered PA eg…….
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01A
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PA5-E02/E04
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01B
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PA5-E07/E05
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02A
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PA6-F02/F04
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02B
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PA5-E04*F04
A-PA6 is captured
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To take an offered MP/mp, as in the King’s
Gambit Accepted opening
In the Algebraic notation:- 01 e4 e5
02 f4 exf4. See ‘Decline’.
Accumulation of advantages
(accumulation theory)
An approach to positional
play where one advantage is used to secure another, or at least is held while
another is sought. Link: examples in the Strategy/Themes section [link] of the Canon by Steinitz.
Active
When talking about a person’s style, this word means
that a player enjoys playing aggressive or tactical positions. Used in any other context it generally
deals with an aggressive position or move. An aggressive
move, line of play, or position. When
mentioned in regards to a playing style, it indicates sharp or tactical
tendencies. Active piece: a developed piece that is actively participating in the conduct of the game. Active pieces form the basis of any attack.
Active defence
defence involving some form of
counterattacking method - either by attacking elsewhere, or by attacks against the opponents’
attacking pieces. Link: example in the Defence section of the Canon. Active
defense: the use of attack as a defense,
rather than passively trying to cover weaknesses.
Adjournment
An
interruption in play to enable both players
to obtain analytical
help from their chess master-friends, chess libraries,
or chess computers. If it is not possible to finish a game within the
prescribed time, the players may adjourn to continue at another time. The player whose turn it is to move at the
adjournment makes a ‘sealed move’.
Adjudication
Sometimes
in amateur events, games not finished within a specified time period are adjudicated by
a strong player who determines the outcome of the game. This practice has fallen out of fashion and
has been replaced by ‘sudden death’. Adjudication:
a binding decision about the outcome of an unfinished game, made by someone who
is rated 200 points below you and who renders h/er judgment after spending a
total time of 5% of the time that you devoted to the game. If it not possible to finish
a game either within the prescribed time or at another time, the game may be
adjudicated by an expert. S/he will
decide on the result of the game on the assumption that both players make the
best moves.
Adjust
See J’adoube.
Advanced Pawn
This term describes a PA
which has passed the central meridian of the board (between the fourth and
fifth ranks).
Advantage
A player whose position is
considered objectively better is said to have the advantage. To have more of a chessboard asset - material or positional (time, space,
mobility, PA skeleton).
Examples [link] all over the Canon. A player is said to have an advantage when
their position is better then their opponent’s. How does one know whether they have an
advantage or not? It is usually based
on the four principles: force, time, space, or PA structure. Where the
current position of the game favours one side over another. A material advantage refers to having a
higher point count than the opponent. A
permanent advantage is one with a lasting effect, such as an advantage in
material or superior PA structure. A
positional advantage is an advantage in time, space, mobility, pawn
structure, or control of critical cells/squares. A temporary advantage is one
that may eventually disappear, such as a lead in development.
Alertness
The ability to take advantage of the opponent’s inaccuracies
while playing accurately yourself.
Algebraic Notation
The
form of chess notation
by using a combination of letters and numbers - a to h and 1 to 8 - which
denote the 64 cells/squares on a board.
A
modern way to record chess moves of a game that is the most popular around the world. It is the only notation that is recognized
by the CFC, perhaps with the exception of Figurine Algebraic (link: Figurine Algebraic Notation). It denotes a value to each of the files
(a
number) and denotes a value to each of the ranks (a letter), making it one of
the easiest notations to follow. Algebraic
Chess Notation: a system of recording chess moves which is so logical and
mathematically neat that it’s amazing that it actually became popular! The modern and most popular way of recording chess moves, using single
letter piece identifiers and unique alphabetic file and numeric rank identifiers.
All-Play-All
A tournament in which every player plays (one or more games)
against every other player. Sometimes
knows as ‘American’ or ‘Round Robin’.
Alpha-Beta
Pruning
A technique that is used by computer programmers to cut down on
the number of possible moves that a computer has to evaluate before arriving at a good move.
Amateur
In chess, someone who
plays only for money - cf. Professional!
Amaurosis scachistica
Chess blindness (oversight),
described ironically as a disease by Dr. Tarrasch. There is a superb example from Krogius in the
Errors [link] section of the Canon.
Ambush
See ‘Discovered Attack’.
Analysis
The
detailed study of a position. Analysis Usually an examination of variations. Examples in the Analysis (link) section of the Canon. Calculating a series of moves and
variations in a current position. You
are not allowed to move pieces while analyzing a position in tournament play. Analysis:
irrefutable proof that you could have won
a game you lost!
Annotate
Published
commentary
on a chess game. Comments about a particular
position in a chess game. Sometimes variations are displayed in an
annotation. Annotator:
01 a “friendly guide” to the complexities of master play, who first cites the
MCO column for the game under review, then remains silent until White
is a RO ahead, and finally,
points out how Black
could have held out longer; alternately, someone whose grasp of chess books
doesn’t extend beyond his library
on the opening. 02 a Grand Master
of clichés. Comments about the moves of a game. Written
comments about a game or position. May
include variations from the main line of play.
Announced Mate
It was once the practice to loudly proclaim an inevitable checkmate. Now it is considered very poor form and is
not permitted by the rules
of chess. In any event, it is unwise
to make such pronouncements - one might turn out to be wrong and subject to
great embarrassment.
Anti-positional
Against good strategical principles, as opposed to
being a tactical oversight; Fischer famously described the Winawer Variation [link] as “anti-positional”,
as it gives up the good BS and weakens the King’s-side.
Arbiter
Chess does not have referees or umpires, it has Arbiters
for the enforcement of the rules,
and Directors for the organization of tournaments (a distinction recognized
in America). See ‘Controller’.
Artificial castling, or castling by hand
To exchange positions of KI and RO by other means than normal castling e.g. by playing A-KI-E01/F02,
A-RO2-H01/E01, A-KI-F02-G01 as in the main line of the Benko Gambit [link].
Artificial manoeuvre
Trying a bit too hard, or
making an odd use of pieces. Simple
examples might include blockading a PA with a QU or developing the RO by H02/H04 and
RO2-H01/H03. Capablanca’s style was the opposite of artificial - his games have a
natural, graceful feel which is easy to recognize (but hard to do).
* (Set play)
Play before the first move
of the solution, i.e. in direct ‘two-mover mates’, set for black moves before
the key. In helpmate: the line which would solve
the problem if white is to play, but cannot be realized due to the lack of
black tempo-move.
Attack
A
threat against an enemy piece.
Attack To move with a threat e.g. so that an opponent’s piece may be taken; more
generally, to move pieces towards e.g. the king’s
side in the hope of mate. Also used
to describe some opening
systems initiated by :A
,
e.g. King’s Indian Attack. To play an
aggressive move, or series of moves in a particular area of the board. Attacks often include threatening to take a
piece or threatening checkmate so the opponent is forced to react. Attacking Moves:
moves that my opponent seems to make much more frequently than I do!
Attack
01) A situation in which a piece could capture an enemy MP/mp - after…….
01A-PA5-E02/E04
01B-PA4-E07/E05
02A-QU1-D01/H05,
the White A-QU1 attacks the PAs on E05, F07 and
H07. The word is also sometimes used
in the same sense as threat.
02)
A plan of campaign against a specific target: we may talk of a kingside attack, a queenside attack and so
on.
03)
A name given to some openings or variations chosen by White, for instance the
Fried Liver Attack.
Artificial
Intelligence
Glossary-B
Abbreviation for bishop - BS.
B-->
“Black begins”. Overrides default direct mate or selfmate
convention that white plays first.
b), c)... (twins)
Twins are two or
more positions of the same problem which differ in a small detail, i.e. changed
position of one piece, added or removed piece, exchanged places of two pieces,
piece replaced by another end similar.
For instance…….
b)
WKb1-->C02:
position (b)
arises from diagram position when white KI is moved from B01
to C02;
c) –WPD04:
position (c) arises
from diagram position when white PA is removed from
D04;
+c)
WRA04=WS:
position (c)
arises from position (b) when white RO A04 is replaced
by white KT;
+c) WSA04:
slightly extended
meaning - whatever was on A04 is now replaced by WS;
b) +BPD06:
position (b)
arises from diagram position when black PA is added on D06;
b)
WBD04<-->BBF06:
position (b)
arises from diagram position when two BSs exchange their
places; etc., etc.
Back rank
The rank behind your PAs. After castling the KI’s movement forward
is often blocked by PAs on the F, G and H files, and if the ROs are played
forwards you may fall into a back rank mate. In order to avoid this, players may create ‘Luft’ (airhole) by a move like
H02/H03. There are examples of back rank
mates [link] in the Tactics section of the
Canon.
Back rank mate
A checkmate carried out by a QU or a RO on the first or eighth rank. Back Rank
Mate: A ++CM by QU or RO along the back rank, typically, but not necessarily, with
the PAs in front of the KI unmoved. For instance, White RO on A08, Black KI on G08, Black PAs on F07, G07, H07.
Backward pawn
A PA which cannot be
guarded by a PA, or which cannot advance to such a position. A PA
which has “fallen behind” the other PAs and it thus left without the protection
of other PAs. PAs are generally much
stronger when they are side by side, rather than background or fragmented in
other ways. Backward PA:
A PA which, though not isolated, has no PA of the same colour on an adjacent file either on the same rank or behind it. If
this PA is on a ‘half-open-file’ and cannot advance it can become a target of
attack. Place an A-PA on E04 and B-PAs on D06 and E05.
If there is no B-PA6 on the board, or if it is on, say, C05, then B-PA5
is backward.
Bad Bishop
If a BS is hemmed in by PAs, and
therefore has limited mobility, it is considered
bad. Bad
bishop: a BS hemmed in by its own PAs, on the same colour
cells/squares. Examples in the Bishops [link] handout and in the Canon. A BS which runs along the same diagonals as ones which its own PAs are on and thus block it in and
keep it from reaching its full potential.
Bad
BS: the one that you still have left on the board!
Bare King
A KI which has none of its army (MPs/mps) left.
Base of pawn chain
The very last PA in a diagonal chain. It is the weakest point due to it
not being supported by another PA.
Battery
Placing a number
of pieces on an open diagonal, file or rank. Pieces are generally much stronger when
placed in a battery. QU and ROs go well on files,
BSs and QUs on diagonals. A lineup of pieces that move similarly on a single file or
diagonal, usually pointing toward a critical point in the enemy’s camp. Batteries can be created by QU and ROs on
a file or rank, and QU and BSs on a diagonal.
BCE
Basic Chess Endings
BCF
British Chess
Federation
BCO
’Batsford Chess Openings’, the standard one-volume reference work on opening :L01 strategy.
Berserker
A rash playing style characterized by
frenzied attacking with one or two pieces, perhaps with little regard for strategy or danger.
Bind
A ‘grip’ on the position, usually
held by PAs, e.g.
the Maroczy bind. [link]. Where a player is so tied up he has trouble finding useful moves. See ‘Squeeze’.
Bird’s Opening
A-PA6-F02/F04. Opening named after a strong
but nearsighted English master who frequently reached for the wrong PA.
Bishop Pair
The situation where one player has
both BSs whereas the other
does not. In many positions, especially
those of an open nature, this is said to represent a strategic advantage. Refers
to two BSs of one colour playing against a single BS and KT or two KTs. Two
BSs are often stronger than one alone because they can control diagonals of both colours.
The two compliment each other. Two
BSs against a BS and KT or KTs. Two BSs are effective together because they
control diagonals of both colours, and work very well in open positions. See ‘Opposite colour BSs’.
Bishops of
opposite colour
A situation where each side has only one BS left and those BSs travel on cells/squares of the opposite colour. The significance of this situation is that
it often brings about a drawn
endgame, even if one side has extra PAs.
Black (white) square weaknesses
Having holes on the black cells/squares. Examples include Bernstein-Mieses and
Znosko-Borovsky vs. Mackenzie in the Strategy/Themes [link] section of
the Canon. Black-cell/square Weakness: a
term usually given to describe the state of the dark coloured cells surrounding ones own KI (cf. white cell/square Weakness)!
Black square
complex
A network of black cells/squares. Examples include Bernstein-Mieses and
Znosko-Borovsky vs. Mackenzie in the Strategy/Themes [link] section of
the Canon.
Blindfold Chess
Chess played
without sight of the board. Some
players have been able to take on dozens of opponents simultaneously in this fashion. Blindfold Chess: a skill, through
which minor masters can gain a world-wide reputation; outlawed in Russia because Morphy and Pillsbury died crazy! Blindfold Chess: a game in which the
players play without a board, calling out the moves to each other.
Blindfold Simultaneous Display
A simultaneous display in which the
player giving the display cannot see the boards but has the moves called out to him
on each board in turn.
Blitz
Another
name for rapid, or lightening chess. Blitz: an extreme form of rapid
transit chess, where the players move faster than they can think - thus ensuing
the game a rare profundity! See ‘lightning chess’.
Block
Problems without threat but each black
move carries the weakness which white can
utilize.
Blockade
The blocking of a
PA or PAs by a piece or pieces. e.g. KT1-B02/D03! (Nd3!). Blockade: usually of PAs - a PA may be blockaded by an enemy piece
or PA standing in front of it. The same
effect may be achieved by good control of the cell/square in front of it so
that it would be taken without
compensation if it advanced. example? [link]. The act of placing a piece in front
of an opponent’s PA to prevent it from moving, KTs are usually ideal
for this job. Immobilization of an enemy PA by
placing a piece (preferably a kt) on the cell/square directly in front of
it.
Blockaded PA
A PA where the
cell/square in front is occupied (or strongly controlled) by opposing
pieces. An isolated
pawn on C06 can be blockaded by KT-C05; there are
lots of examples in the Pawn
mobility handout [link].
Blockading
square
The cell/square directly in front
of an isolated or backward
PA. This cell/square can also
serve as an outpost cell/square, as
an occupying piece cannot be chased
away by PAs.
Blunder
A very bad move. A typical excuse for a game one has lost is
“He didn’t outplay. I simply blundered”. Such excuses are not considered good
form. Blunder: An oversight; the Tactics [link] section of
the Canon is full of them. A horrible
move giving up a lot of material or even the
game. Don’t make blunders, enough
said. A horrible mistake where material is lost, serious tactical or positional concessions are made,
or the game is lost.
Bobby Fischer
A player who makes an appearance every twenty
years to defeat Spassky in a match!
Book
Often taken to stand for the current
theoretical opinion. A book move is a
move which is expected to be played, based on recent chess articles or
theoretical manuals. Book-Player: a chess slave, who
fills a relatively empty head with information that makes it even emptier. BOOK: The written body of high-level
chess play. ‘Book’ moves
are standard. A book player memorizes
openings
and their variations,
and goes to pieces if his opponent strays from the accepted line. 01 Published opening theory. 02 The library
of opening moves maintained by a computer
chess playing program.
Book Player
A person who memorizes
opening theory. Taking someone “out of book” refers to
avoiding theory and playing a new or unorthodox move, which may
confuse a book player.
Botvinnik
A Russian KI, revered by communist society.
Break (PA break)
A PA move with the hope or
intention of opening lines, particularly files. In blocked positions like the French
Defence [link] it’s important to organize your own PA break. A PA move that proposes a PA trade in order to increase space or relieve
a cramped position.
Breakthrough
The breaching of an
apparently secure formation, often with sacrifice of material, as in the
Pillsbury-Lasker game in the French
Defence [link]. When a
player is able to penetrate directly into the camp of the opponent. Penetrating the enemy’s position, whether by a ‘PA break’ or the
sacrifice of pieces or PAs.
Break-up sacrifice
A sacrifice to disrupt the defences e.g. BS*H06, PA-G06*H06,
an example of which can be found in the Attacking section of the
Canon [link].
Brilliancy Prize
A prize given for the most exciting game, or most artistic combination. Brilliancy:
a combinative sequence which is understandable to anyone once the solution is revealed! A game containing a very deep strategic idea, a beautiful
combination, or an original idea or plan.
Broad PA Centre
Three or four centre PAs abreast, which
indicate very aggressive intentions.
The opponent of such a ‘big centre’ must look to restrain it and break
it up.
Bughouse Chess
A game gaining in popularity since
you can always blame all of your losses on your partner’s
play.
Building
a bridge
Nimzovitch’s description of
how to win the Lucena position (q.v.) in a Rook
ending [link].
Building a House
The act of placing
your BS on G or B02, your
KT on C or F03 and castling to that
side. See also fianchetto [link].
Buried Piece
A piece hemmed in by
friendly pieces and PAs. Such a piece will have a difficult time
actively participating, and may also interfere with the development of other pieces.
Bust
The refutation of an opening
strategy or combination.
Bye
In Swiss System tourneys, a full
point given to an odd player.
Glossary-C
Caissa
The legendary muse of chess, invented by the poet Vida
in the 16th century poem,
Scacchia Ludus. She was popularized
by the orientalist Sir William Jones in the poem Caissa.
Calculation of Variations
The working out of variations mentally, without
moving the pieces. Calculating strings of moves without moving
the pieces. Mikail Tal was famous for
his ability to calculate variations of moves with
ease.
Candidate Move
A move considered as a starting point
in the analysis of variations.
Candidates’ Tournament/Match
A tournament or match to decide the
challenger for the World
Championship. Candidates’ Tournaments were held between 1950 and
1962. Since then the challenger for
the World Championship has been decided by Candidates’ Matches.
Capped Pawn
A marked PA with which a
player engages to deliver checkmate, in giving
extreme odds to a weaker opponent.
Capture
The act of moving
one of your pieces to a cell/square occupied by one
of your opponents pieces and removing it from the board, out of play. Once a piece is captured, it may never return
to the game.
Candidate
A PA that may be promoted; also, a player
in competition to become the challenger for the world
championship(s). See the game Marshall-Capablanca in the handout on
Pawn
mobility [link].
Candidate move
A move considered as a starting point
in the analysis of variations. This term was made popular by Kotov’s
classic Think
Like a GM [link], the first chapter of which has been very
influential; there are some examples in the Analysis [link] section of
the Canon. O ne of a number of possible realistic moves. There may be a number of legal moves available but only moves that can achieve something positive
within the framework of the current game can be called candidate moves.
Castle
Sometimes the RO is referred to as
a castle, but this refers to a special move in chess in which you move two
pieces (the only move allowing you to do this) and get your KI to the safety of
the wings behind a row of PAs and get your RO
to the center in one move. A player will nearly always castle during a
game, often in the opening and without a
player castling the game is usually quite irregular. A combined move of KI and RO permitted once for each side during a
game. The KI moves two cells/squares to either side, and the RO toward
which it moves is placed on the cell the KI
passed over. This is the only
move in which the KI moves more than one cell at a time and in which more than
one piece is moved. Castling cannot be done when the KI has
already moved, when the affected RO has already moved, when the KI is in +CH, when the cell over which the KI
must pass is under attack, when the KI would be in check after the move was completed, or
when any of the cells between the KI and the affected RO are occupied. 01 The act of moving the KI and RO
simultaneously. This is the only time in the game where two pieces can be moved
in the same turn. Castling consists of moving the KI two cells either right or
left, and placing the RO on the cell beside the KI closest to the centre. There must be no pieces between KI and RO,
neither piece may have already moved, and the KI may not move out of check,
over it, or into it. Castling is
usually worthwhile because it moves the KI to a safer position in the wings
behind PAs, and the RO to a more powerful position in the centre of the board
at the same time. 02 Unsophisticated term for RO. Castle long:
Queenside castling. Castle Short: Kingside castling.
Castling
A move in which the KI and a RO move
simultaneously and the only move where the KI is allowed to move more than one
cell. It may only be carried out if
neither the KI nor the RO concerned have not previously moved at any time in
the game and provided the KI and none of the cells involved are currently under
direct attack by an opposing piece.
However, when castling the RO can immediately give check as a result of
the move should the opposing KI be on E01 or E08, as appropriate, and there are
no other pieces on the E-file. Castling kingside with the white [:A] pieces takes the
KI from E01 to G01 while the RO from H01 moves to E01, replacing the KI. Castling queenside takes the KI from E01 to
C01 while the RO from A01 moves to E01.
Castling with the black [:B] pieces is
self-evident from the foregoing explanation.
Once this move has been employed in a game the pieces involved resume
their normal moving powers and castling cannot be repeated even if the pieces
resume their original positions. A defensive move played by a
cowardly opponent.; a special move solely done for KIs safety only to be
dismantled by your opponent later! A
double move in which an unmoved KI moves two cells towards an unmoved RO and
the RO moves over the KI to the next cell.
If white castles kingside his KI goes to G01 and the RO to F01. If black castles queenside the KI goes to
C08 and the RO to D08. Castling is
not possible if the KI is ‘in check’, moves ‘through check’ or moves ‘into
check’. You castle by moving your KI
first or both pieces together. A player
who touches the RO first may not castle but instead has to play a RO move.
Casual game
A non-tournament encounter.
Correspondence
chess (also known as postal
chess, although e-mail
chess is catching up!)
Centralisation
To move pieces towards the centre - a good idea if
there is no obvious alternative plan. Example in the Strategical
Themes [link] section of the Canon.
Centre
Cells D04, D05,
E04 and E05 - the four cells in the very centre of the board. Centre: the central
four squares E04, D04, E05, D05 (block-A) or the sixteen cells including these and those next to
them (Block-A and B. The E and D-files are referred to as the center files. See also Extended
Center [link]. The middle of the board. In the opening, both players should strive to occupy or control the
centre. The
four cells in the geometrical center of the board. The opening moves are meant to gain control
of the center. The area bounded by
C03, C06, F03 and F06 is also considered central. The centre of the board is of great strategic
significance, as pieces placed there generally have the greatest scope. Centre Break: the attack on two or more PAs
abreast on the 4th rank by an opposing PA in order to break up their
formation. Centre Fork
Trick: a series of moves where a KT
is sacrificed
for a centre PA, knowing that it can be recovered by a PA fork and the enemy’s
central PA structure will be destroyed by doing so. Centre PAs: the KIs
and QUs
pawns. Centralize: placing of pieces and PAs so they both
control the centre, and influence other areas of the board. Pieces usually have maximum mobility
(and therefore power) when centrally placed.
Challenger’s Tourney
A tournament to decide which Russian will play another
Russian for the world championship!
Champion
Someone who has
attained success in chess only
because s/he has had more time to devote to the game than you have!
Cheapo
A
phrase coined by U.S. Master Dr. Karl Burger, who has won a large
percentage
of his games by such a manoeuver; a move which threatens something so
obvious that only an idiot would fall for
it, and he does! Slang
expression for an invitation to a blunder, usually
played in desperation by a player who is loosing badly.
Check
When the KI is directly
attacked. The game is lost unless the
KI can be moved out of check, or another piece can be placed
between the KI and the attacking piece, or the attacking piece can be captured. The act
of attacking one’s opponent’s KI. When +CH takes place, a player usually will call out “check” to
his opponent so that he is aware of the threat. See the check [link] section of the tutorial. An attack on the KI. In games between inexperienced players it is
usual to announce “+CH” to your opponent when attacking h/er KI. If you play in adult tournaments you will
find that your opponents will probably not do this, expecting you to see for
yourself if you are in check. The
act of attacking the opponent’s KI.
When check takes place, a player usually calls out “check” so the
opponent is aware of the threat. The
opponent must get out of check on the next move, either by moving the KI,
capturing the attacking piece, or moving another piece between the KI and the
attacking piece.
Checkmate
If the KI is in check and
there is no legal move that can get
h/er out of check he is checkmated and the game is lost. An
attack on one’s opponent’s KI from which it cannot escape using one of the
three methods. When checkmate occurs,
the game has ended and the person playing the checkmate has won. See the check [link] section of this tutorial. A self-inflicted torture by novices
who don’t know the word “resigns”! A check
which cannot be parried by moving the KI to a safe cell, blocking the attack or
capturing the checking piece.
++CM ends the game: the player who is checkmated has
lost. Mate has the same meaning as checkmate and is frequently used
in its place. Threatening
the capture of the enemy KI such that it cannot escape. This wins
the game for the attacking side.
Chess
A most intriguing intellectual challenge, played in a
cultured manner according to strict rules and
regulations. The object of the game is
to crush your opponent! Chessmen: Pieces.
Chess Clock
A timing device used in tournament play. After making a move, a player depresses the
button on his side of the device which stops his timer and starts that of h/er opponent. Beginners are often intimidated by chess
clocks but one quickly adjusts to their use, without which many games could
drag on for hours, days, weeks or even months.
Chess Fever
A disease common among adolescent
members of the Manhattan Chess Club; characterized by jagged fingernails,
bulging eyes, and an unsteady hand.
Chess Life
A magazine that comes out
late once a month.
Chess Problem
A position on the chessboard with
associated stipulation, i.e. Mate in 2 moves, Helpmate in 3 moves
etc. Normally, there should be only one
way to satisfy the stipulation, otherwise problem is unsound (cooked). Sometimes, typically in helpmates, there are
two or more solutions stipulated. ‘Mat Plus’
accepts direct mate, helpmate and selfmate original problems.
Classical
When referring to
a player’s style, it means that the player bases h/er play on a full PA center. It also refers to an era where all players
used this style and those that did not were considered irregular. 01 a playing style based on the formation of a full PA centre. The strategic concepts involved are seen as
ultimate laws, and therefore rather dogmatic.
Clearance sacrifice
See vacating
sacrifice The act of giving your opponent one of your pieces because it is
blocking a cell that would be advantageous for another piece
to be placed there. Clearance: moving a piece, often as a sacrifice,
in order to make way for another piece.
A move that
clears a cell for use by a different piece.
The new piece can use the cell to better advantage. A “clearance sacrifice” is where the
vacating piece is sacrificed to make room.
Clock, Chess
In serious tournaments and matches each player has a
fixed amount of time to play either a
certain number of moves or the whole game.
A player who exceeds the time limit loses as long as h/er opponent has enough material left to get checkmate. A chess clock has two faces. On making a move the player presses the
button on top of his clock to start his opponent’s clock ticking. Digital clocks are now being used in many
tournaments. A mechanical device used to
time tournament games which no one ever pays attention to until that little red
marker is about to fall!
Paired clocks used in all official tournaments and in club games. After a player moves, s/he depresses a lever
that stops h/er clock and starts h/er opponent’s. Each clock, therefore, registers only the
elapsed time for one player. If a
player exceeds the time limit set on h/er clock, a flag falls and s/he loses
the game, even if s/he has a clear winning position. Paired clocks used in all sanctioned
tournaments and in many club games.
Close game or closed opening
Often slow, partly blocked positions,
often arising from e.g. 01A PA4-DO2/D04
01B PA5-D07/D05, with locked chains
of PAs. There are
several examples discussed in the Pawn
formations [link] handout. A position where the PA structure is fixed, the centre
cluttered with interlocked PAs. KTs thrive in such positions, and play
is generally focussed on the flanks.
Closed
Refers to the type
of position being played. A “closed
game” is one in which the center is cluttered with PAs that are
interlocked. Play usually focuses on
the wings. Closed game: one in which the maneuvering is tight
and the pieces, as a rule, lack long-range
operating space. Such games are
sometimes called “positional”, because they are quiet, with the opponents
struggling for subtle advantages, rather than open and alive with tactical possibilities.
Club, Chess
A group of devotees of the Royal Game, whose meetings
are characterized by brotherhood and good sportsmanship and where never is
heard an encouraging word!
Combination
A forcing
sequence involving threats (of capture, check and/or mate), probably
involving a sacrifice. There are examples in the Tactics and Attacking [link] sections
of the Canon. Any long series of moves that
the average player cannot understand!
A sequence of moves involving a sacrifice played in order
to gain a specific advantage, usually to win material or to force checkmate, sometimes to
force a draw from an inferior
position. A series of moves which, unless the
player has miscalculated, will force an immediate win or an overwhelming advantage. A combination sometimes starts with a
sacrifice of material. A sacrifice and
forced sequence of moves to gain a certain advantage.
Compensation
Something that I tell myself that I have for being
down that PA! An equivalent advantage that offsets an advantage of the enemy’s, for example material versus development, space versus superior KT or BS, or three PAs versus KT.
Complementary
sacrifice
A sacrifice which follows up
a previous sacrifice - e.g. the double bishop sacrifice
BS*H07/BS*G07,
(Bxh7/Bxg7), or two others like RO*F06/KT*H07 (Rxf6/Nxh7) (see Lasker-Bauer link).
Composition
One of the most artistic aspects of chess is the
composition, which is an artificial position composed by a problemist. There are many rules governing the
creation of a composition, one of the most important of which is that only a
single solution is allowed.
Concentric
Towards the centre
Congress
See tournament.
Connected Passed Pawns
Two or more PAs which are
unobstructed by enemy PAs and thus have the threat of queening. These PAs rest on files beside one
another and thus are more dangerous because they each provide support of the
others. Two or more same-colour passed PAs on
adjacent files. See Passed
pawn.
Connected pawns
PAs which can protect
or be protected by a PA on an adjacent file. Connected passed PAs are considered most
valuable in the endgame. Connected PA: a PA with a PA on an adjacent file; a group of connected
PAs form a pawn island. There is a nice
example from Capa in the handout On
manoeuvres [link], and another from
Karpov in the style [link] section of the Canon. PA-Island.
Connected Rooks
When the two ROs (RO1 and R02) are
on the same rank or file, with no pieces or PAs between
them. ROs are very strong when they
are connected, as they support each other.
Connoisseur, Openings
An understanding authority, who
thinks one opening is better than
another!
Consolidating manoeuvre
To shore up a
point e.g. RO-E08, QU-E07, KT-F06/D07
(Re8, Qe7, Nf6-d7) to protect
E05.
Consolidate: taking care of your position before
continuing active operations. This could mean adding protection to critical PAs or cells, improving the
placement of pieces, or making the KI safer.
Control
A player controls a cell by occupying or by having more pieces which
can occupy it with a single move than h/er opponent. To
dominate an area or aspect of the board.
You can control the light diagonals, an open file, or sector of the board. You can even control a particular cell. The domination or sole use of a
cell, group of cells, file or diagonal. One is also “in control” when one has the initiative.
Controller
The person who oversees a tournament or
match
and who has the responsibility of ensuring that the Laws of Chess
are obeyed. Also arbiter.
Control of
centre
The controlling influence of one side
over the central
squares. See the rules for openings, and the opening section and under
centralisation [link] sections
in the Canon. The hypermoderns [link] pointed
out that need not mean its occupation.
Cooperation/coordination
A general term
used to describe the way pieces work together -
for example, in an endgame, QU+KT coordinate better
than QU+BS, a circumstance
in which it is no disadvantage to have a KT while the opponent has a BS (see minor exchange). There are some nice examples of
coordination in the Strategy/Themes [link] section of
the Canon.
Coordinates
Unique cell identifiers, made
up of a number indicating rank and a letter
indicating file.
Correspondence Chess
Chess played by post or by electronic
transmission. A system of play which in
gaining in popularity because you cannot lose USCF rating points in this sort of
competition; a method of play to determine who owns the strongest chess computer.
Chess played by post: the
players take it in turns to send their moves to each other by letter.
The term is also used loosely for chess in which moves are communicated
by other means, for instance phone, radio or fax.
Counter Attack
When a player who
is being attacked counter thrusts with an attack of h/er own
rather than defending. A move which replies to
the opponent’s threat by setting
up a threat of its own. A name given to some openings or variations of an attacking
nature selected by black
:B. The launch of an attack by the defender, rather than making more defensive moves. Designed to place the opponent on the
defensive. Counter Threat: See “Counter attack”.
Counter-gambit
A gambit
played by black,
for instance the Falkbeer Counter-gambit.
Counter Play
When a player who
has been defending for several moves begins an attack of h/er own. Aggressive actions by the defender.
Counterplay may equalize the chances, may be not quite enough to
equalize, or may seize the initiative and gain an advantage.
Cramp
Lack of mobility. See the examples on Space in Strategy/Themes [link] section of
the Canon. Disadvantaged in space, leading to a
reduction in mobility of one’s pieces.
Cramped
[Position]
A player is said
to have a cramped position or is cramped when s/he is at a disadvantage in
space and thus very little room to move h/er pieces around in. That which you must obtain as a
necessary preliminary to freeing your game.
Critical
Position / Move
A very important
move in the position which the game may be decided on. If played poorly the player will lose, if played well,
they will win. A point where the evaluation of the position will obviously
favour one side, or where it will equalize.
The position is delicately balanced and the slightest mistake could be disastrous.
Cross-check
A +CH in reply to a check, typical of QU endings. See the second Nimzo game in the handout On
Manoeuvres [link].
Glossary-D
Decentralise
To move away from the centre, often an
anti-positional move. There are
examples in the handouts on Bishops
Italian
Game [link].
Decisive
A move which
alters or makes certain the result of a game: a decisive move may make an advantageous position a winning one, a decisive error may lose the advantage, or the
game. Examples are to be found in the
handout on Planning [link] and Kotov’s Think
Like a GM [link]. A move which alters or makes certain
the result of a game.
Decline
To leave an
offered PA or MP, e.g.
01A-PA5-E02/E04
01B-PA4-E07/E05
02A-PA6-F02/F04
02B-BS1-F08/C05
e4
e5
f4 Bc5
King’s
Gambit Declined.
Antonym: accept.
decoy:
A diversion, as in the model
game [link] Morphy-Meek. Decoy. A tactic in which a player
tries to lure an opponent’s piece to a cell that is
particularly vulnerable. These sequences
can sometimes be forced. To force an
enemy piece either away from
or to a particular cell or line, often by means of a sacrifice. Some authors use ‘decoy’ only for forcing ‘to’
a cell or line and ‘deflection’ for forcing
‘away from’ a cell or line. The offering of material in order to get an enemy piece to move.
Decoy sacrifice
A sacrifice to remove a MP, e.g. to play BS-A05 when B-QU1-C07*A05 (...Qc7xa5)
means that the KI will lack an
important defender (see decoy).
defence:
To move to defend against a threat, e.g. to protect
a piece that is attacked;
more generally, a period of the game where the player is meeting and
anticipating threats during an attack. Also used for opening
systems chosen by :B, e.g. King’s
Indian Defence. There is a
section in the Canon on Defence [link]. Defence. A move or series of
moves that are played to stop an opponent’s attack. An answer to a threat, or that which
prevents an attack from being a threat.
After 01A PA5-E02/E04 01B
PA4-E07/E05 02A
QU1-D01/H05, the RO on H08 provides a
defence to the attack on H07 and the KI provides a
defence to the attack on F07. A good
move for black would be 02B... KT2-B08/C06,
providing a defence to the threat of QU1-H05*E05+CH. A name given to an opening or variation chosen by
:B. For instance the Sicilian
Defence or French
Defence. Any move or plan that is intended to meet or stop an enemy’s threats or attack. Name used for openings initiated by black,
such as Petroff Defense, French Defense etc. These systems are called defenses due to black
having the second move, and being forced to respond to white’s first move.
deflection:
To distract a MP or PA away from a task example? [link]. A tactic which forces an opponent piece off of a cell where it had to
be, either because it was defending a piece or cell or because it was blocking
a threat.
deflecting sacrifice
A sacrifice to deflect a defending MP e.g. to play A-RO-E01/E04 (Re1-e4)
to deflect B-QU1-B04 (black Qb4) away from
attacking cell B02. example? [link].
Demonstration
Board
A large display used to show games in progress, or analysis, to an audience.
denuding
sacrifice
A sacrifice to strip away a
defending PA shield e.g. BS*H06 (Bxh6) from
the Attack [link] section of
the Canon.
Descriptive
Notation
An antiquated form
of notating a chess game,
employed in the English and Spanish-speaking worlds to some extent. It has
almost disappeared from contemporary use, but there is much great literature
written using it, so it is worthwhile to learn it. A typical example is 1. P-K4 (1. pawn to King four) for 1.
e4. Descriptive
Notation.
Desperado
A slang word for a piece that cares
nothing about its safety, such as one that
moves into a threat. Typically, the desperado is a piece that
opens a line with a serious threat.
Destroy
To capture a
defending piece,
often as a sacrifice.
Destructive Sacrifice
Sacrificing material to destroy the PA cover or other
protection around the enemy KI. Usually a point of no return.
Development
The art of bringing out
one’s forces. The
bringing-out of pieces at the start of the game - one of the aims
of the opening [link]. Examples in the Openings [link] Canon. Development. The act of moving
pieces from their original cells to places where they are more effective, usually in the center, and have more mobility. To develop a
piece is to move it from its starting cell to a more effective position. In the opening both players strive for rapid
development. The process of moving pieces from their
starting positions so they can protect their own territory and put pressure on
the opponent. The moving of pieces from their starting
positions to new positions where their mobility and activity are
increased. To bring pieces into play.
diagonal:
The chain of cells/squares of the same colour running diagonally across the board:
A01/H08 and A07/G01 are diagonals example? [link].
A line on the chess board from North East to South West or from North
West to South East, as traversed by BSs and QUs. The diagonals from corner to corner are the
‘long diagonals’. A row of cells running obliquely
across the board rather than up and down (a file) or side to side (a rank) or a block.
A diagonal row of cells.
Diagonals are named by the coordinates of their starting and ending
cells.
Diagonal mate
Mate where the
decisive check is delivered
along a diagonal, as in Fool’s
mate
01A-PA7-G02/G04
01B-PA4-E07/E05
02A-PA6-F02/F04
02B-QU1-H02/H04++CM
1. g4 e5
2. f4 Qh4#
Diagram
A pictorial representation of a chess position.
Direct mate problems
In direct mate problems white [:A] plays first and
for every black [:B] defence mates not later
than in given number of moves. The
stipulation is “Mate in n
moves”, or shorter “Mate in n”,
or symbolically “#n”.
discovered
attack:
To attack by moving a MP or PA out of the way of
a ‘Line-Piece’ such as RO, BS or QU. 01A-PA5-E02/E04 (e4) discovers an attack on
B05 and H05. There are examples in the
Tactics [link] section of
the Canon. Discovered
Attack. An attack which
occurs when a piece moves out of the
way of another piece. This can be
particularly effective if the piece that moves to discover the attack can
attack something as well, thus revealing two threats in one turn. A move which opens up an attack from a BS,
RO or QU etc (see ‘table
of monograms’). After the
moves 01A PA5-E02/E04 -
B-PA4-E07/E05 02A QU1-D01/G04?, a move by B-PA4 would be a
discovered attack on A-QU1. Also called an ambush. The creation of an attack from one piece caused
by the moving away of another piece that was masking it. These are potent moves, as they may enable
a piece to move away from a threat in safety, or enables two attacks to be
launched simultaneously.
Discovered check
A +CH delivered by a piece whose line of attack has previously
been blocked by a member of the same side which has moved away on the given
move. discovered
check: to deliver +CH by moving a MP or PA out of the way of
a ‘line-piece’ such as RO, BS or QU. There are examples in the Tactics [link] section of
the Canon. +DC. A move which opens up an attack from a BS,
RO or QU on the opponent’s KI. A player, by moving a piece, uncovers an attack on an opponent’s piece. If the attacked piece is the KI, the move is
called discovered check. Check given
by one piece as the result of the moving away of another piece that was masking
it.
Disjunction
Separation of MPs or PAs example? [link].
Dislodging
manoeuvre
A move to upset a defensive formation example? [link].
Disorganisation
Where pieces fail to protect key squares or each other,
the opposite of coordination. See the booklet on Italian
Game [link].
Distance
The number of cells between two pieces. This is a crucial calculation in endgames to determine
whether a KI can stop a
hostile passed
PA.
Distant opposition
KIs separated by more
than one rank (or file) but which still
have the relation of opposition e.g. KIs on G01
and G05. See also the booklet on King
and pawn endings [link].
Distant/outside
passed PA
A passed Pawn on the other side
of the board from the defending KI or other pieces -
usually winning in a KI and PA ending example? [link].
diversionary
sacrifice:
Sacrifice in order to decoy example? [link].
Double PAs
To force enemy PAs to become doubled, as in the
booklet on Pawn
mobility [link].
Doubled Pawns
PAs on the same file, often one
obstructing the other, as in the booklet on Pawn
mobility [link]. Two PAs in tandem on the same
file. Ordinarily, a liability because,
unable to protect each other, they are vulnerable.
double
(of Rooks):
ROs on the same file; if the QU is also on that
file the MPs are tripled. We can see doubling in the handout on Rooks [link], tripling
in the one on Pins [link]. Two ROs in tandem on the same file.
Because they protect each other and act in concert, their power is more
than double the power of a single RO.
double
attack:
To attack two pieces at the same time
with one move; 01A-PA5-E02/E04
attacks D05 and F05. Chernev and
Reinfeld say that this is one of the two central themes of tactical play (the other being
concentration of force). Lots of
examples in the Tactics [link] section of
the Canon. An attack against two
pieces on the same turn. The launch of two threats simultaneously. It is different from a fork in that either or both threats need
not be a capture.
double Bishop
sacrifice
Two complementary BS sacrifices, e.g. on G07 and
H07, as in the famous game Lasker-Bauer [link]. Double
BS Sacrifice.
double
check:
+CH from two pieces at once, always
obliging a KI move. Examples in the Tactics [link] section of
the Canon. +DO. Similar to the discovered
attack, only the piece which the attack
is revealed upon is the KI. Occurs
when the KI is checked twice on the same turn.
This can only occur by discovery. It can be extremely effective because the
only response to a double check is fleeing.
This can sometimes lead to an unexpected mate. A check from two pieces at once. A discovered check where the piece moving away itself gives
check. A double check can only be met
by a KI move. A simultaneous check given by moving
one piece to give check, thereby also unmasking another piece which also gives
check.
Double
fianchetto
Both BSs developed in fianchetto, as the Hypermodern [link] Reti was fond of
doing.
Double
RO sacrifice
Typically to allow
a QU to play B-QU1*A01+CH, KI moves, QU1*H01
(...Qxa1+, K moves, Qxh1), hoping to decoy the QU away from defence. The Immortal
Game features such a sacrifice, included in the attacking [link] section of
the Canon.
Double attack
An attack against two enemy pieces at the same time. If a single piece is attacking two enemy
pieces, it is a fork.
Doubled
pawns
Two PAs of the same colour on the same file. These are generally considered a
liability. A characteristic of PA structures that occurs when more
than one PA of the same colour reside on the same file. Doubled
PAs occur as a result of a capture. Three PAs of the
same colour on the same file are tripled PAs. Such PAs can
often become targets of attack. Two
PAs of the same colour on the same file, put there by a capture. These PAs are generally considered to be weak,
but they can control valuable cells and create open or half-open files.
Draw
A game in which neither side wins. Draws can occur by mutual agreement or in
accordance with specific rules of chess, such as
stalemate. A tied
game in which neither side wins. See
the Interesting
Cases [link] section of this tutorial. A game that ends in a tie,
where each player is awarded half a point.
A draw occurs when…….
Draw Offer
The suggestion by
one player to the other that they agree to call the game a draw. When playing manually, the correct way to
make a draw offer is to make your move, say clearly ‘Draw?’, and then start
your opponent’s clock. Never make a draw offer when it is your
opponent’s turn to move.
Drawn position
A position in which normal play would lead to an outcome in which neither side wins.
Deep
Thought
DT II
Deep
Thought; next version
Duffer
Anybody who can beat you three times
in a row! A novice (bad) chess
player.
Duplex
Stipulation for both sides, i.e.,
“h#2 duplex” means it is also requested to find how white [:A] can begin and
help black [:B] to mate h/er (white) in
two moves.
Dynamic
Dynamics are represented by the
aggressive potential in a move or position. Dynamic Play:
Dynamic play occurs as a result of frequent structural changes that demand
constant reevaluation of one’s strategy. These changes are usually as a result of tactical
threats or significant
changes in the PA structure.
Glossary-E
Eccentric development
Moving a piece to an unusual cell e.g.
KT2-G01/H03
Ng1-h3
Echos
Two functionally
identical positions on the same board, one the mirror image of the
other, due to the arrangement of the defender’s pieces being effectively
symmetrical. This allows the same attack to be made down either side of the board.
ECO
Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, the
standard multi-volume reference work on opening
strategy.
Egotist, Chess
Someone who is more interested in
describing h/er own victories than in listening
to yours!
elimination
sacrifice
A sacrifice to remove an
important defender e.g. B-RO-C08*C03-KT1
(...Rc8xNc3). Compare with examples of
‘removing the guard’ from the Tactics [link] section of
the Canon, which are without sacrifices.
Rating using Professor
Arpad Elo’s rating
system. A system in which players all
over the world are ranked according to their skill. It was devised by Arpad Elo (hence the name
of the system) in 1970 and continues to be in effect today [:L01]. An internationally accepted mathematical system for ranking chess
players, created by Arpad Elo. International Grandmasters are typically in the range 2500+ to
2700, world
champions
often 2700+. The standard deviation is
200 points. The scale is such that a
player at 1800 would be expected to beat one at 1600 by the same margin as a player
at 2600 against one at 2400. Many games must be played before an Elo rating
can be estimated with confidence. The
Elo rating is the foundation for the award of FIDE titles.
Endgame
The last stages of a game, involving few
pieces, usually without QUs for either side. A game where several pairs of pieces have been exchanged, probably including the Queens, and where play is concerned not with checkmate or tactics as much as with gaining, and promoting, Pawns. See Endgame
Handouts [link].
The final of three phases of the game.
Although it is a very definite phase of the game, it is very difficult
to tell when you have left the middle game and entered the endgame. The endgame is
said to be when there are few pieces left on the board and usually after the
QUs are exchanged. This is the final
phase in a chess game. Your last opportunity to miss a
win or a draw! The final stage of a game of chess, when there is little material left on the board; where most of the pieces (but not
necessarily the PAs) have been captured. The
final stages of a game. Most pieces
have disappeared from the board, and the KI,
instead of hiding, becomes an active participant. The endgame generally starts after QUs have
been exchanged or when the immediate goal
is to promote a PA.
Endings
Another name for the Endgame.
En
Passant
In passing: a special
PA
capture which can only be effected once by each side in a game. If, for example, black [:B] has a PA on his fifth rank (say E04) and white [:A], taking advantage of the facility to move a PA two cells forward on its first move, moves (say) PA4-D02/D04, black can capture this PA - but only on the very next move - placing the capturing PA on
D03. A most modern rule in the game of chess [:L01]. It is a French phrase which literally means
‘In Passing’. The rule comes into effect when a PA, on
its first move goes up two cells and lands beside an enemy PA. When this happens the enemy PA is allowed to
take the PA as if it had only advanced one cell. It was introduced because when a PA landed
on the fifth rank and an enemy PA used the two
cell move, it could dodge the fight of the enemy PA which was deemed
unfair. This move is only allowed to be
invoked the instant the PA moves two cells, afterwards it would be too hard to
tell which PA had moved two cells or had moved one cell and then another,
etc. A PA capture in which a PA on its
fifth rank can capture a PA on an
adjacent file moving from the second to the
fourth rank as if it moved only one cell.
After the moves 01A-PA5-E02/E04, 01B-PA4-E07/E06, 02A-PA5-E04/E05,
02B-PA5-D07/D05, white may, if s/he chooses, capture B-PA4 by ‘en passant’, but only on h/er next
move. A-PA5 will move to D06 and B-PA5
will be removed from the board. From the French, ‘in passing’. Abbreviated :ep. One PA can capture another :ep if the capturing PA
has reached the fifth rank and the captured PA is moved two cells forward on an
adjacent file. The capture is made as
though the opponent’s PA had moved only one cell forward. It occurs when a PA moves two cells from its starting
position, and
passes an enemy PA that has advanced to its fifth rank. The advanced PA on the fifth rank may choose
to capture the PA as if the PA had only moved forward one cell. This capture must be made immediately after
the two cell advance, or else the right to capture “en passant” is lost. In the Chesmayne
notation
an en passant capture is labelled
:ep.
En prise
This is said of a piece (other than the KI) which can be
captured. en prise: In a position to
be taken. ‘En Prise’, ‘To Leave’: a method of
relieving oneself of extraneous material! French. A piece is en prise when it is left exposed
to capture with nothing to show for it.
French “in take”. A piece or PA that is unprotected and exposed to
capture.
Equality
A situation in a
chess game where neither side has an advantage, or when each
players advantages compliment each other.
Where neither
player has a discernible advantage over the opponent.
equilibrium/balance
of position
An equal but not lifeless position is
in balance or equilibrium; if this is not disturbed the correct result should
be a draw. However, unduly slow or unduly rash moves
may disturb the balance and give the opponent the advantage. See latitude
of the draw.
error:
A mistake in analysis or assessment; a
gross oversight is called a blunder. There is a section on errors [link] in the
Canon.
Ethics, Chess
Undefined - we
could find no examples of this after a very long search!
Euwe, Max
That Dutch master whose name I
can’t pronounce.
Exchange
The capture of pieces belonging to both
sides during the course of a few moves. (See
also ‘Winning the Exchange’). exchange: used in two senses - to swap off for equal material, or unequal material.
To lose the exchange
usually means to lose RO for BS. The minor exchange refers to the loss of BS
for KT, but this is not always a disadvantage. example? [link]. The
trading of pieces, where one piece captures another and then this piece is
recaptured back. You are said to have
‘won the exchange’ when the trading of pieces results in you winning more
material, based on the points system (i.e. RO - 5 points, for BS - 3
points. The Exchange:
trading pieces of equal value: for instance, QU for QU, RO for RO, BS for KT. The advantage of gaining a RO for a BS or a
KT. If you win RO for BS or KT you are
said to ‘win the exchange’ while your opponent ‘loses the exchange’. If you give up RO for BS or KT deliberately
you ‘sacrifice the exchange’. The
trading of a piece (BS or KT) for a RO.
A trade of pieces. See ‘Point
count’.
Exchange Sacrifice
Where a player willfully trades a RO for a KT or BS in return for
compensation of some kind. See
‘Compensation’.
Expansion
Increasing the amount of space
directly under your control. To expand,
push PAs forward in an
attempt to increase the boundaries of your territory.
Extended fianchetto
To fianchetto with e.g. PA2 to
B03 and BS1 to A03. Also used for
fianchetto with PA2 to B04 and BS1-B02. example? [link].
Glossary-F
Fischer-Spassky match held Sept-Nov
‘92 (Fischer won 10-5)
fairy chess:
Chess with newly invented pieces, usually seen in
‘studies’ but can be played as a new game.
example? [link].
family
check:
A +CH with other pieces attacked at the
same time e.g. to play KT-C07+CH (Nc7+)
with B-KI-E08, B-RO-A08, B-QU-D05 (black Ke8, Ra8,
Qd5). There is an example in
Capablanca-Treybal in the handout On
manoeuvres [link] and in the Canon.
Fianchetto
An Italian term, now in
general use, to describe the positioning/development of a BS in the
penultimate cell of the ‘long
diagonal’ (ie white’s [:A] B02, G02, black’s [:B] B07, G07). fianchetto: to develop a BS to the long diagonal by e.g. PA2-B03 and
BS-C01/B02. An Italian method of developing
BSs; popularized by Russians! The development of a BS on the ‘long
diagonal’. A BS played to the side
of the board
is said to be fianchettoed. Usually,
the BS is played to G02 or B02 (G07 or B07 for black),
from which position it sweeps along the ‘long diagonal’ to the opponent’s A08 or H08 (A01 or H01 for black) cell. The
word is from the Italian fianco - the flank or side. Italian ‘on the flank’.
FIDE
Federation Internationale des
Echecs. Short for the ‘Fédération Internationale des Échecs’,
or, in English, ‘The International Chess Federation’. They govern over world
champions [:L01], master, IMs, GMs, etc. See also IM;
GM [link]. The ruling body for traditional western
chess. FIDE Master (FM): the lowest master title awarded by
FIDE, below the rank of ‘International Master’. Players qualify for this title by performing
at a specified level in ‘Master Tournaments’. The title of FIDE Master is also awarded to
World Junior Champions. FIDE also
award the title of ‘Woman FIDE Master’, with a lower level of qualification. Founded in 1924, it organizes world
championship
competitions, draws up rules of the game, and awards the international titles
to top players.
Fifty Move Rule
This rule states that if fifty
moves have been played since the last capture or PA move the game is a draw. It can only be enforced if the players are
recording their moves (or, in junior chess, counting their moves). Contrary to popular opinion it has nothing
at all to do with one player only having a KI left. The ‘50-Move-Rule’ was extended for certain
positions in the 1980’s but in 1992 it reverted to fifty moves for all
positions, except if announced in advance by the tournament organizer. A game can be drawn when fifty moves have been made by
each player without a capture or PA
advancement.
File
The row of cells from the first rank to the last. file: the columns of cells, e.g. A01-A08 is the A-file (QUs-RO file). The
vertical columns of the chessboard which, in Algebraic
Notation are each assigned a letter, beginning with A-file, B-file,
etc. A vertical line of cells on a
chessboard. The eight files are
assigned the letters from A to H, so, for instance, the file on which the KIs start is referred to as the E-file. The rows running from player to
player, named for the pieces
that occupy them at the start of the game.
From left to right they are, for white
[:A],
the QU-RO file, QU-KT
file, QU-BS
file, QU-file, KI-file, KI-BS file, KI-KT file, KI-RO File. The order, read from right to left, is
correct for the black
[:B]
side. A row of eight cels from one end
of the chessboard to the other. In
Algebraic Notation these are labelled A to H, starting from the queenside
of the board.
Fischer, Robert
An American chess veteran who had
been U.S. Champion eight times. His
victims accused him of bad manners; his conquerors thought of him a fine
sport!
Fish
A player who falls for all your traps and still wins!
Fixed
Obstructed or restrained: see the Pawn
formations [link] handout.
Fixed Centre
Where the centre of the board is
occupied by multiple PAs and some of them
are fixed in place by opposing PAs. In
some cases, PA movement is possible but the advancing PAs will be subject to capture.
Fixed Pawn
Structure
PA set-ups where there
is little or no possible mobility. Since there will be little PA play, strategies are easier to
determine.
Flank
The A, B, C, F, G and H files. The
files that do not belong to the center: the A-, B- and C-files on the queenside and the F-, G- and H-files on the kingside. Certain
openings
that focus on flank
development
are called ‘flank openings’. Typical
first moves for these openings are 01A-PA3-CO2/CO4;
01A-PA2-B02/B03; 01A-KT2-G02/F03; etc.
Flank Attack
Attacking on either the kingside or queenside. Such attacks are much more
successful when the centre is closed.
flank opening
Slower openings aiming at control
of the centre rather than its
occupation - for :A, this includes
the English 01A-PA3-C02/C04
(1.c4), Reti 01A-KT2-G01/F03 (1.Nf3), and Catalan:
01A-PA4-D02/D04
02A-PA3-C02/C04
03A-PA7-G01/G03
(1.d4,2.c4,3.g3) openings.
See the handout on the hypermoderns [link].
Flight square
A cell available for a King to move to. If a KI has no flight
cells, a check may give
++CM. See the game against Terry Gray
in
the Defence section of the
Canon [link]. A cell/ to which the
KI can move, a prime consideration in
a KI-hunt and in
problems.
Fluid Pawn
Structure
Structures where future PA movement is
likely. Strategy may be
difficult
to determine, as a change in the PA
structure necessitates a change in
strategy.
FM
Force
Loosely, material. Chernev and Reinfeld see this as the other
great defining theme of tactical play. See the model
game [link] by Kasparov in the
Canon. Usually defined as
material. One is said to have an advantage in force when
they have more material than their opponent. However, you can also be said to have an
advantage in force if you have a number of pieces directed at a certain part of
the board where the enemy pieces are not.
Thus, you control this area of the board. Your army. All PAs and pieces are units of force.
Forced
A forced move or series of
moves are ones which must be played, either legally, or because if
the opponent does not play them, h/er position will be destroyed. A move or series of moves that must be played to avoid loss of the game or catastrophic loss of material.
Forced move
A move which must be made lest the
player lose material or even be checkmated. Forced Move. The
only legal/reasonable move in the position. A move which restricts the opponent’s choice
of reply: a threat, check or capture. A
move which leads the opponent
into a forced move or moves.
Forepost
An advanced cell which cannot be
attacked by a hostile piece of inferior rank.
Foreposts are ideal cells for attacking KTs as they have a
short range. An absolute forepost is
where the position is unassailable. A
contingent forepost can only be attacked at the cost of creating a weakness elsewhere.
Foresight
The ability to play in only
those tournaments you are sure of
winning!
Forward Pawn
A PA that is at
the very front of a PA chain. It is the only PA contained in the chain
that does not protect another PA.
Fork
An attack made on more than one enemy
by piece by a single
piece. fork: to
attack two pieces, usually with a KT e.g. KT-F07
(Nf7) attacking QU-D08 and RO-H08 (Qd8 and
Rh8). Examples in the Tactics [link]
section of the Canon. A move in chess in which, on one move, a piece attacks two
of its enemy’s pieces at the same time.
An
instrument used chiefly for the purpose of putting dead animals in one’s
mouth! (A. Bierce). Family Fork. A situation in
which one piece threatens two enemy pieces (or cells). For instance: 01A-PA5-E02/E04,
01B-PA6-C07/C05 02A- PA4-D02/D04, B-PA6-C05*D04-PA4, 03A-KT2-G01/F03, B-PA4-E07/E05, 04A- KT2-F03*E05?, B-QU1-D08/A05+CH is a
QU-fork: a +CH and a threat. A KT-fork threatening KI, QU and RO is known as a
‘family fork’. An
attack on two or more pieces simultaneously.
Though any chess piece - except a RO-PA can execute a fork, the KT makes
a specialty of it. A form of double
attack where one piece threatens two enemy
pieces at the same time. In a triple
fork, three enemy pieces are threatened.
Fortress
A defensive blockade, keeping out the
enemy forces, especially the KI. One of the earliest known examples is the
fortress :A-KI-C01, PA4-D03,
RO-E03 (white Kc1, Pd3, Re3)
which can hold the ++DR against B-KI-C08,
QU-D08 (black Kc8, Qd8. Try it!).
Forward Pawn
A PA that is at the
very front of a PA chain. It is the
only PA contained in the chain that does not protect another PA.
Frontal Assault
A direct attack on an enemy PA that is located
on the same ‘half-open file’ as your heavy pieces.
Glossary-G
Gambit
A sacrifice in the
opening. gambit: usually to sacrifice a PA in the opening to gain development. Examples in the
Openings [link] section of the Canon. A gambit occurs in the opening when a player voluntarily gives up material (usually a PA) for a positional or developmental superiority over their opponent. They tend to be
very risky and lead to very interesting games. An opening or variation in which one player,
usually white [:A] sacrifices for the sake of a lead in development or
occupation of the centre. Examples are
the KIs
Gambit and the Danish
Gambit. Openings where black [:B] makes the sacrifice are sometimes known as ‘counter
gambits’. An
opening maneuver in which a PA is offered in return for a strong position or a
chance to attack. Italian ‘a trip-up’.
General Principles
Basic rules that serve as
guidelines for less advanced players.
Basic rules don’t apply to all situations, and more experienced players
learn when to apply them in each specific position.
Ghosts
Threats created in the mind of inexperienced
players due to lack of confidence or fear of their opponent.
Giuoco Piano
Playable, but not quite so good as a
Steinway!
GM
Short for Grand Master.
Good Bishop
A BS that is not on
the same colour as its own PAs, thus it has
great mobility and its PAs do
not obstruct it. Your opponent’s BS!
A
BS free to operate without interference from its own PAs. A BS with adequate scope.
Grab
Capture a piece, perhaps
making a positional concession in the process.
Grading
A number indicating a player’s
strength. FIDE and national
chess organisations issue regular lists of grades. The system used in England is not the same
as the one used both by FIDE and in most other countries. Grades are more often known (in most
countries except England) as ratings.
Grande Combination
French for large combination: a combination
which is carried out over several moves and is sometimes
very subtle. They tend to feature many
types of tactical themes.
Grandmaster
A very strong chess player. The title of Grandmaster is awarded by the
World Chess Federation - FIDE. GM = Grandmaster A title
awarded by the FIDE for outstanding international play. A player must meet a number of standards and
once this status is reached, it cannot be taken away, even if the player’s rating drops. Anyone who has reached the
point in chess where s/he is acclaimed for drawing all h/er games! Grandmaster Draw: a friendly conclusion due
to mutual fear! The
highest title awarded by FIDE, sometimes also called ‘International
Grandmaster’ and abbreviated to either IGM or GM. It is awarded to players who perform at a
specified level in Grandmaster Tournaments. The title of
Woman International Grandmaster (WGM) is awarded to women and has a lower qualification level. Separate Grandmaster
titles are also awarded for Correspondence Chess. The
highest title (apart from World Champion)
that a chess player can achieve. It is
bestowed by FIDE upon players who have achieved certain performance norms. Abbreviation GM. Other titles (in order of importance) are
International Master and FIDE Master.
Grandmaster Draw
A quick,
uninteresting draw.
Glossary-H
Half-open file
A file with PAs of only one colour. Look at the handouts on Rooks [link] and, if
you are brave, the ‘Minority Attack’ section of the handout on Pawn
mobility [link]. A file
that contains only one colour of PAs because of trades or captures. This file is closed to the PA owner, and open to the other player.
Half-passed pawn
30 minutes after PA o’clock. example?
[link].
Hanging
Pieces are said to be
‘hanging’ when they are unprotected and vulnerable to attack. Also referred to as En Prise. A PA or piece subject to immediate capture.
Heavey Pieces
ROs and QUs, also known as
MPs, ‘major pieces’ or ‘heavy
artillery’.
Hedgehog
A solid defensive arrangement with PAs on the third rank e.g. PA-B06, C05,
D06, E06, G06, BS-B07, KT2-B08/D07, KT1-G08/F06 and BS-E07 or BS-G07 (Pb6, c5,
d6, e6, g6, Bb7, Nbd7, Ngf6 and Be7 or Bg7).
There is a comment [link] on the potential of this formation under
Nunn-Olafsson in the planning section of the
Canon, and an example game Webb-Hartston elsewhere in the Canon.
Helpmate
problems
In helpmate black [:B] begins and helps white [:A] to mate in a given number
of moves. The stipulation is “Helpmate in n moves”, or shorter “Helpmate in n”, or symbolically “h#n”.
Hold
To hang
on, to allow a successful defense.
Hole(s)
Openings in the defensive front are called holes - usually holes
cannot be defended by PAs. To play B-PA7-G07/G06 creates a hole at
H06. See Steinitz-Blackburne in the Strategical
Themes [link] section of the Canon. A cell in a player’s
position which cannot be defended by a PA and thus is vulnerable. A player must learn to find holes and take advantage of these
cells. A cell that cannot
be guarded by one’s own PAs. Holes can
become outposts for KTs. A cell that is undefendable by PAs.
Such a cell serves as an excellent home for enemy pieces, especially the KT.
Hypermodern(s)
The treatment of
the opening by the Hypermodern
school, a description given them by Tartakower - booklet [link] on the
treatment of this opening. A type of
player that believed that placing a PA in the center would make it
vulnerable (the exact opposite of classical players). Hypermoderms tend to try to control the
center indirectly from the flanks rather then
directly. Richard Reti and Aaron Nimzovich are examples or
hypermodern players. Any opening system where an early checkmate is impossible!
Glossary I
ICS
Internet Chess Server
If-move
A method of shortening a typical correspondence game from nine
months to just eight months and three weeks!
see GM
Illegal Move
A move made contrary to
the rules of chess.
IM
International Master. Short form for International Master.
Imbalance
A noticeable difference between the white [:A] and black [:B] armies. This may include material advantage, superior PA structure, space,
development, the initiative, or a superior KT or BS.
Impossible Move
A move which has obvious
unfavourable results, and so is to be avoided.
Inactive Piece
A piece not directly
involved in the flow of the game.
Indian Defenses
A family of openings in which black [:B] replies 01B-KT2-G08/F06 to
white’s [:A] 01A-PA4-D02/D04 (1...Nf6 to white’s 1. d4). There does not seem to be much agreement on
the origin of the term, but most historians believe it
derives from the style of play in India where - because
PAs did not have the right to make a two
cell initial move - games tended to be
leisurely and conservative.
Initiative
You possess the initiative when you are able
to make threats to which your opponent must react. It was said by Steinitz that the person who
possesses this initiative must
willingly go over to the attack. The player that is on the attack, or otherwise applying pressure to the
opponent on the defensive, is said to ‘have the initiative’.
Innovation
A novel move or
idea in an established line of play.
Insufficient Material
When neither
player has enough pieces to mate their opponent. A draw is declared.
Interference Move
A situation in which a piece is
played - often as a sacrifice -
to a cell in
order to cut off a line of defence. A move which obstructs the line of attack of an enemy piece.
Intermediary
manoeuvre
An in-between move or apparent diversion from the main
line of events. The term appears in the
Tartakower-duMont book, in an annotation to the Tartakower-Capablanca game which is
included in the Tactics [link] section of
the Canon.
Intermezzo
See Zwischenzug.
International Master (IM)
A title awarded by FIDE to players
performing at a specified level in Master Tournaments. It is abbreviated to IM. It ranks above FIDE Master and below Grandmaster. The title of Women’s International
Master (WIM) is also awarded, with a lower qualification level. Separate International Master titles are
also awarded for Correspondence Chess. The next highest title below Grandmaster. Abbreviation IM.
Internet Chess
A method of playing chess in which you can pay a monthly fee, tie up your
phone line, all to play your neighbour across the street!
Interposition
The act of placing
a piece in between an
enemy attacking piece and the actual attacked piece. To place a PA or piece between an attacked KI and the attacking piece. Placement of a piece between an attacking
enemy QU, RO or BS, and the piece being attacked.
Intuition
The ability to find the
correct move or strategy to play or in a
certain position based on a “feeling” or hunch rather than actually calculating
a sequence of moves. A ability of an experienced player to
decide on a move or plan by feel, rather than by extensive analysis.
IQP
Isolated
QUs PA.
Irruptive
sacrifice
To break into the defences with a sacrifice e.g. BS*H07+CH (Bxh7+), of which
there are examples in the Attacking [link] section of
the Canon.
Isolani
Nimzovitch’s term for an isolated
pawn. Isolani. A PA with no friendly PAs on immediate files, sometimes called an ‘isolani’.
Isolated PAs and isolated groups of PAs were termed ‘island’ by Capablanca.
Isolated pawn or
isolani
A PA with no friendly
PAs on the next-door files. There are always negative features, but may
be compensating advantages - and these
benefits are seen in the most positive light with an isolated
QUs-PA. See the many
examples in the Planning [link] section of
the Canon. A PA is said to be isolated when there are no PAs of the same army on
adjoining files. Generally, isolated
PAs, or isolani's, are considered to be weak.
A
PA that will QU in the endgame (cf. Passed
PA). A PA with no PAs
of its own colour on the files
either side of it. A PA with no friendly PAs on the
adjacent files. It cannot be protected
by PAs, and the cell directly in front of it can be a
safe haven for enemy pieces as they cannot be threatened by
PAs.
Isolated Queen’s
Pawn
An isolated
pawn on D04 or D05 - here the compensating extra space and influence over the
centre are at their
maximum and can compensate for its weakness in the middle game. IQP positions often arise in the early middle-game from the QGD (QUs
Gambit Declined) and Caro-Kann. See the
many examples in the Planning [link] section of
the Canon.
Italian
diagonal:
The diagonal A02/G08 dominated
by BS-C04 or, B-BS-C05
(Bc4 or ...Bc5), the favoured development of the Italians
of the Modenese
school. See the booklet
on Italian
Game [link].
IWM
International
Arbiter
A referee at international chess
events.
International
Master
An internationally recognised chess expert.
This title is immediately below that of Grandmaster.
Isolated
pawn
A PA is said to be isolated when there are no PAs of the
same army on adjoining files. Generally, isolated PAs, or
isolani's, are considered to be weak.
Glossary-J
J’adoube
This is a legal way of announcing
that one is going to adjust the pieces without making a move. A phrase customarily emitted when you
are caught starting your opponent’s clock on your move! French for “What the hell am I doing? If I move that piece I’m dead!”
French for “I adjust”, an expression
signifying one wishes to reposition a MP/mp on the center of a cell without incurring the ‘touch-move’ rule. A
warning (in old French - there is no such word in modern French) to your opponent that you are going to adjust a piece which is not in the
centre of its cell rather than make a move with it. It must be announced ‘before’ you touch the
piece. The English ‘Adjust’ is often preferred.
French ‘I adjust’.
Expression used prior to a piece being adjusted on its cell.
Traditional
Western Chess
Glossary-K
K
Abbreviation for KI.
Key move
The move that solves the
problem (or triggers the solution of the problem).
KIs
Indian Attack. There is
some commentary on this opening in relation to
the Sicilian Defence here [link].
Kibitz
To offer advice as a spectator -
a dangerous pastime. Someone who gives good advice
to your opponent and bad advice to you!
KIs
Indian Defense. A session based on this system and the example
games used are filed under the Planning [link] section of
the Canon.
king hunt sacrifice
A sacrifice which exposes the
KI in a way that it
cannot retreat e.g.
QU*H06+CH,
KI*H06,
RO-H03+CH,
KI-G05
and the hunt is on!
(Qxh6+, Kxh6; Rh3+, Kg5).
King hunt
A chase of the KI across the board
- which often arises after a sacrifice. example? [link]. Examples in the Attacking [link] section of
the Canon.
KIs field
combination
A combination involving the cells directly attacked
by the KI directly e.g.
involving KT*F07 (Nxf7). Examples in the Attacking [link] section of
the Canon.
King’s Indian -
Reversed
Naidni sgnik!
King’s Pawn
Opening
The move 01A-PA4-E02/E04 (1. e4.). Bobby
Fischer’s favourite opening. Moving A-PA5 opens lines for BS2 and QU1, occupies a key
central cell and prevents the opponent from occupying
cells diagonally in front of
PA5.
Knight defender
The stalwart KT on F03/F06 in
front of the castled KI.
Knight On The Rim
A KT on the edge of the
board. Unless it is
performing a specific duty, its future is said to be ‘dim’, as it attacks very
few cells, none in the centre. It may even become trapped on the edge.
knight wheel
A five-move
circling motion of the KT to attack the cell next to it, e.g.
KT1-A03,
C04, E03, D01 to attack B02.
(Nb1-a3-c4-e3-d1 to attack b2).
A game Capablanca-Yates is an example? [link[.
Kibitzer
A spectator at a chess tournament.
King
A chess piece - KI.
Kingside
The E to H files. One half of the board which belongs to the E-, F-, G-, and
H-files. It is called the kingside
because it is the half of the board which the king is on. See also queenside [link]. KIs Side. The side of the
board on which the KIs start: the E, F, G and H files. We talk about ‘castling KI-side’, or playing a ‘KI-side attack’.
Glossary-L
Latitude of the
draw
To retain enough access and control
over all disputed areas of the board to avoid the risk of losing, assuming with fair
play on both sides. It may be that
commitment to an attack in one area risks
losing the game because of loss
of control elsewhere. This is an
underlying theme of the Averbach-Keres game in the Errors [link] section of
the Canon.
Legall’s Mate
A mate in the early
stages of the game following a QU sacrifice by moving a pinned KT. An example is…….