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can not be won without a queen. Understand that there are opportunities that arise for those willing to sacrifice a rook for a pawn. You must have the skill to execute the trap once it is set, but a great player will disregard established rules of value on the board, and see each piece for it's capabilities alone. Value systems are often flawed, and it is a fact that the position of the lowliest members of chess rank, the pawn, often determines the outcome of a game.

'Give until it hurts' compliments 'position over material'. Do not waste valuable moves protecting pieces that are not intrinsic to your game plan. Once you see how to trap your opponent, determine which pieces are necessary, and allow others to be sacrificed by way of distraction, and to give your opponent a false sense of confidence.

The exception to 'Give until it hurts.' is 'Do not trap your king'. You must protect your king or any elaborately set escapades in the middle game are wasted. Be consistently aware of threats to your monarch, and do not hedge him into a position where he can not escape. The experimental game requires attention to many pieces, so freedom of movement for your king is more important than a great fortress of pieces to protect him. You do not want to tie up all your material for defensive purposes.

Finally, the brilliant middle game is not by nature consistent. You can not be a perfectionist and improve at the same time. Leave perfectionism for the safe, advancing middle game players. Do not be afraid to fail, or you will find yourself too stunted to succeed.

Learn more about this author, Alissa King.
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