by John Leonardson

Created on: April 17, 2007   Last Updated: May 21, 2007

If you've played chess for awhile, you realize there are deeper levels of analysis. Propel your game forward by learning to examine three levels of play. You win chess games by gaining the advantage in either time, space or force. I learned these concepts from Eugene Znosko-Borovsky.

Beginners learn that if they have more pieces than their opponent, they will probably win if they don't make a big mistake. This is force. Add up the point value of your pieces and compare to the other side. Of course, it doesn't take long to realize other factors enter in.

For example, a sacrifice is often made where a piece is lost but enough time is gained to push through to a checkmate or to a superior position. Time can be measured by points. I'm not referring to tournament chess where you can end up behind on the clock. The simplest element of time is if you can develop a piece while forcing your opponent to take a weaker position (or back to its starting point). The effect is like you got to take two moves and they got only one. If that happens, you gain one point in time or a tempo. You then can count in one half tempo or even a quarter tempo.

One classic example of time is when a beginner brings out the Queen too early in the game. You can develop your pieces and chase the Queen all over the board. Soon, you'll have developed your pieces and their Queen is still threatened. This usually results in a fairly quick victory.

Finally, the element of space enters in. If you control more of the spaces and attack routes, then you lead in space. The battle may take place in the middle board or the sides, but if all things are equal, you will win if you keep control of the territory. Ideas of pawn structure, piece development and well-placed pieces are examples of space control.

These three elements are often interchangeable. For example, if you lead in force, you might exchange that advantage for one of time by crashing in and forcing a mate before they have time to defend. Skewers, blocks, fianchettoes and other tactics are taking advantage of one element or another.

Time is the hardest concept to grasp, but it will help you examine your own games and understand the moves of masters. If two grandmasters meet, and one gains a full point advantage in time or force (e.g., loss of one pawn), the game is usually over. Beginners often make lots of mistakes so a small advantage isn't always conclusive.

So control your own urges to just attack, attack and attack. Gain more subtlety in your play and ultimately more wins by examining these elements as you play. Ask yourself questions of both your moves and your opponent's. Why is this a good move? Do I gain more space? Will I win more force? Do I gain time by this move? Weave these elements together to form the symphony of a great game.

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