Exercise 9.1Question
White to move
White to move. The centre is closed. Where should White play?
9
Middlegame Strategy Essentials · Kapilash Chess Academy
Space and Pawn Breaks
Opening the position at the right moment
In this lesson you will learn
- What space is and why it matters
- How the pawn chain shows where to attack
- Pawn breaks: the moves that open the position
- Racing on opposite wings in the King's Indian
Every board on this page is live. Move the pieces by tapping or dragging, click any move in the lines to see that position, and press ↺ to start again.
9.1 Space
Space means control of squares in the centre and in the enemy half. The side with more space can move pieces from one wing to the other easily, while the other side is cramped. A cramped side should exchange pieces and look for a pawn break.
9.2 Pawn Breaks
A pawn break is a pawn move that attacks an enemy pawn and opens lines. In closed positions, the right pawn break is often the whole plan. The rule: attack the pawn chain at its base, and play on the side where your chain points.
Diagram 9.1White to move
Example 9.1 · The King's Indian race
The centre is closed. White's pawns point to the queenside; Black's pawns point to the kingside.
White breaks with c5 to open the c-file and attack d6 and c7. Black pushes ...g5–g4 to open lines against White's king. Each side plays where its pawn chain points. In such races, speed matters more than material.
RuleThe base of the pawn chain is its weakest point. In the King's Indian, White attacks Black's chain at d6 with c5; Black attacks White's chain at f3 with ...g4.
Remember
- Space gives your pieces room; the cramped side should exchange pieces.
- Pawn breaks open the position: choose them carefully.
- Attack the pawn chain at its base.
- Play on the side where your pawn chain points.
Exercises · Lesson 9
Every exercise has been checked with a chess engine. Find the best move or choose the right plan.
Exercise 9.2Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 9.3Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 9.4Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 9.5Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 9.6Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 9.7Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 9.8Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 9.9Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 9.10Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.