Keep the Tension: Scared Chess is Bad Chess
It's a tale as old as time...You're up against a strong opponent, maybe your opponent has a higher number attached to his/her name. The temptation to simplify through even trades can be overwhelming. For beginners, this urge is especially strong. Trading pieces seems like a way to eliminate the risk of losing material and simplifies the position, making it easier to manage. But this seemingly safe approach can often backfire, especially when playing against more experienced opponents.
The logic behind trading is simple: if you capture my piece, I'll capture yours. This equal exchange might feel like a relief, especially if you're constantly worried about whether you've got enough defenders or if a piece is under threat. But this approach overlooks a crucial aspect of the game—even trades, eliminate your piece and (usually) make the recapturing piece stronger.
Releasing the Tension Examples
The Power of Keeping the Tension
By keeping the tension, you maintain the dynamic possibilities of the position. Experienced players often delay or avoid trades altogether, preferring to keep their options open and waiting for the opponent to make a misstep.
When Grandmaster games, you'll notice how seldom they make even trades. Instead, they often look for ways to keep the tension alive. This might mean repositioning a piece to increase its influence or creating threats that force the opponent to make a decision; or maybe even compel their opponent to release the tension. By doing so, they maintain the initiative and often steer the game toward a favorable outcome.
Keeping the Tension Puzzles & Full Game Analysis
Next Time, Pause Before Trading
Next time you're playing, resist the urge to trade pieces just because you can. Ask yourself: What happens if I don't trade? When my opponent recaptures, does his/her piece get better or worse? Am I trading, just to trade, or do I have an actual reason for making this trade? By keeping the tension, you keep the game complex and dynamic, increasing your chances of outmaneuvering your opponent.
In summary, while trading might feel safe, it often helps the position of your opponent. Embrace the tension, and you'll find yourself playing more like a Grandmaster and less like a beginner.
Stay Impressive!
NM Craig C.
