Conducting an Attack in the Center means actively using your pieces to create threats on the c-, d-, e-, and f- files, pressuring the position, and forcing your opponent to respond to your moves. This aggressive approach gives you the Initiative, allowing you to dictate the game's pace. In the diagram above, White gets the initiative with 1.d4, countering Black's kingside expansion with a strong attack in the center.
Ideas for when you are Attacking in the Center: (1) Advance your pawns to create open files and weaken your opponent's pawn structure, (2) Prevent counterattacks on the wings. Ideas against an Attack in the Center: (1) Reduce weaknesses and create a solid defense, (2) Counterattack on the wings to divert your opponent's attention.
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When we started adding a playful touch to chess learning, we looked through thousands of videos and hundreds of books to find the best resources out there. Here's our curated selection of the best content we encountered on the Attack in the Center. We also included some smaller creators who are growing fast and we believe deserve your attention. Check out these resources if you want to master this dynamic imbalance.
This excellent lesson by Coach Kestony uses two games to present the important concepts of Attack and Initiative. Ideal for both beginners and intermediate players.
The ASMR Chess YouTube channel creates a somewhat unique type of chess content. Just watch this video on Attacking Zones to get an idea of how special it is.
Another very interesting work by Ivan Sokolov. Very pleasurable to read, even if sometimes heavy with variations. For intermediate and expert players only. Follow all the moves with ease thanks to the interactive e-book reader.
This fascinating new book by Matthew Sadler offers a unique approach to training and improvement using chess engines. Ideal for intermediate and advanced players.Follow all the moves with ease thanks to the interactive e-book reader.
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