Chess Patterns ❯ Pawn Techniques ❯ Reserve Tempi

Reserve Tempi

In chess, Reserve Tempi are spare moves (usually pawn moves) that allow a player to wait and force the opponent into a less favorable position. Having reserve tempi allows a player to maintain flexibility and enhances their tactical options. In the diagram, for example, neither of the two Kings wants to move. White can, however, force Black away by using the abundance of reserve tempi granted by the pawn moves: 1.h6 f4 2.h4, and Black has to surrender the defense of the c6-pawn.

When you have more Reserve Tempi: (1) Calculate precisely how to execute your plan and visualize in advance all the defenses your opponent may use. When you have fewer Reserve Tempi: (1) Calculate precisely and try finding the best defense.

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Master the Reserve Tempi

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 Reserve Tempi. 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 endgame technique.

What Is Tempo In Chess?
Take a look at this super-clear introduction by Jesse February to the concept of Tempi. Lots of details and lots of examples. Highly recommended.

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Mutual Zugzwang and Reserve Tempo
This YouTube short by ChessZen is a nice example of what a Reserve Tempo is and why you need it in some types of endgames.

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Reserve Tempi are Scarce Resources
In this fine video, John Bartholomew excellently explains Reserve Tempi through one complex example. Don’t skip this if you want to understand this important endgame tool.

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Amateur to IM: Proven Ideas and Training Methods*
This excellent book by Jonathan Hawkins helps you understand endgames by highlighting key "basic blocks" and using them to master various scenarios, including reserve tempi situations. Follow all the moves with ease thanks to the interactive e-book reader.

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Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual*
This book by the legendary Mark Dvoretsky is *THE* definitive guide to endgames. You could spend years studying it. Reserve tempi patterns are included. It’s an absolute must-have for your library! Follow all the moves with ease thanks to the interactive e-book reader.

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