Middle Game Goals

by Paul Jackson
(Brisbane, Australia)

Analyze the Final Position

Anyone can learn off some reliable opening moves. But when the opening is over you have to know what's going on. Lot's of people throw the game away in the middlegame through silly mistakes. When you have reached a chess middlegame and if you have sense, then do as follows:

Your goals during the middle game are very different from those in the opening. When the time comes, make sure you take a moment to acknowledge the end of the opening phase, and set your strategy for the next phase.

Remember, the game of chess involves two players, not just you. No matter how enamored you are with your own plans, make sure you always ask yourself about your opponent's intentions.

If you are in the middle of calculating a combination, make sure you don't stop too early. Analyze in your head the final position and assure yourself that you have gone deep enough.

As obvious as this sounds, the fact is that players often forget to look at the big picture and make sure the moves they are making are part of a bigger plan. Do not make this mistake!

Comments for Middle Game Goals

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Oct 01, 2012
Rating

Game of Kings
by: Kashif Gil

Well, its true Paul but that is what the game is all about, to out-think the opponent. I'm a very novice player but one thing I have learned is that mental stamina is as much a pre-requisite as patience in this game of Kings.

Sep 27, 2012
Rating

Ways to Stay Calm During Middle Game!
by: Godwin

Chess playing involves the use of different tactics during various phases of the game. Only a consistent plan right from the beginning towards the end will result in success in the game. Opening strategy needs to be changed when reaching the middle phase. We have to make plans by considering the opponent's intentions in mind. While moving through the middle game, plans should be changed accordingly by focusing on the endgame. Strong positional plans are required to win the game!

Sep 27, 2012
Rating

Think Through the Middlegame
by: Ritesh Prajapati

Well said Paul, middlegame strategy is altogether different from that of the opening. The player should think through the different possible future moves of an opponent when he is in the middle of the game. Moving without visualizing opponent's intentions can destroy your chances in the game.

Sep 26, 2012
Rating

Taking Care
by: Billy Wong

Yes, the middle game definitely takes a lot more thought and planning than the opening. It is when you really first start interacting with your opponent in earnest after all. Thinking about the right moves to make is hard work but necessary if you want a decent chance to win against someone with any skill.

Sep 26, 2012
Rating

Outpost Him to Death
by: Roberto Martinez

In the middle game try to win every small battle or at least avoid exchanges where you lose a pawn and never exchange an inferior piece for a stronger one, unless you gain a significant advantage in position.

If you are ahead in pawns, exhange his big pieces for yours. If you are ahead in big pieces, go for his pawns and crumble his defenses. Do not advance your pawns lightly because that may weaken your pawn structure.

Aim for establishing one or two outposts on your opponent's side and you will greatly complicate his/her game to your advantage.

Sep 26, 2012
Rating

Playing the Middle Game Smart
by: T Ramamoorthy

It is very important to think a lot when moving into the middle game. We should not simply move without planning at least two or three moves ahead to defeat the opponent. It is easy to play a much stronger game if we conduct the middle game in the right fashion.

Oct 20, 2011
Rating

I Move too Fast
by: Dalisay

Analyzing your move before taking it is very important. I find it hard though to see the board in my mind's eye when I am trying this. Sometimes it's too hard and I give up and just move. I always move too fast and then I see the mistake too late. Makes me mad lol.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Hot Chess Strategies.