Chess Patterns ❯ Control of Lines ❯ Control of Key Diagonal

Control of Key Diagonal

You Control a Key Diagonal when one of your Bishops, your Queen, or both combined together, dominate an important diagonal on the board. This control allows you to restrict the opponent's movements, target weaknesses and support other pieces. In the diagram above, White's Bishop and Queen control the a1-h8 diagonal and put great pressure on Black's castled King.

Ideas for when you control a Key Diagonal: (1) Use it to target key squares and weak points in your opponent’s position, (2) Restrict your opponent’s piece movements, (3) Support and reinforce your control of the diagonal. Ideas against the control of a Key Diagonal: (1) Look for opportunities to exchange the controlling pieces, (2) Break the diagonal control through pawn breaks or piece maneuvers.

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Take Control of Key Diagonals

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 Key Diagonals and how to control them. 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 important chess concept.

Clear the Way! Long Diagonals & Open Files
A long and detailed lesson by Saint Louis Chess Club on how to optimize the position of your own pieces and on how to establish control of key lines, like Long Diagonals. Ideal for beginners.

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Killer Diagonal - Karjakin vs Giri Blitz Game
Have a look at this engaging analysis by Power Play Chess of a Karjakin-Giri game in which White gives us a beautiful example of Diagonal Control.

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Brilliancy On The Diagonals*
Don’t miss the very instructive chess.com series by GM Simon Williams about “brilliancies”. This lecture, in particular, is dedicated to beautiful combinations involving Diagonals.

WATCH ON CHESS.COM
Understanding Chess Move by Move*
This book by John Nunn walks you through the moves of 30 games, step-by-step. And it includes several examples that illustrate the importance of key diagonals. Ideal for club players looking for a clear and thorough explanation of game strategies.

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Chess Strategy for Club Players: The Road to Positional Advantage*
An excellent book by Herman Grooten that gives a comprehensive introduction to the most important positional concepts. Perfect for intermediate players. Don’t miss this.

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