A B C D E F G-H I-L M-N O P Q-R S T U-Z

Calculation: The working out of variations without moving the pieces physically. Though this book has taught you to talk or reason your way through a game, there are many positions that have a purely tactical nature. In such situations the player’s ability to calculate variations accurately takes on great importance.

The way to train your combinative (calculative) vision is to study the games of attacking players like Alekhine, Tal or Kasparov. Follow their opening moves and then cover up the rest of the game score. At this point you should endeavor to figure out all the imbalances, the plans, candidate moves, etc. When this is done, calculate each candidate move as deeply as you can, writing down all this information as you go. All these things must be done without moving the pieces around. When you have done all that’s possible (take as much time as you need, we are looking for accuracy; speed will follow with practice), look at the move played, make it on your board and keep repeating the process until the game is complete.

Keep a notebook with all your analysis. At first you may not do well, but with practice and effort you will notice real improvement in every aspect of your game.

Center: Usually considered to be the e4, d4, e5 and d5 squares, though the territory within the c4, c5, f4 and f5 parameters can also be thought of as central.

Centralize: The central placing of pieces and pawns so they both control the center and extend their influence over other areas of the board. A piece will usually reach maximum maneuverability and power when centrally placed.

Checkmate: See Mate.

Classical: A style of play (sometimes called a school) that is concerned with forming a full pawn center. The strategic concepts that go with it tend to be viewed as ultimate laws and thus are rather dogmatic. A classical opening is an opening based on these views. See Hypermodern.

Closed Game: A position locked by pawns. Such a position tends to lessen the strength of Bishops and other long-range pieces simply because the pawns get in their way. Knights, not being long-range pieces, can jump over other pieces and pawns and thus are very useful in such closed situations. A typical series of opening moves that lead to a closed position is 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e5 4.Nc3 d6 5.e4, etc.

Combination: A tactical move or series of moves based on the opponent’s weakened King, hanging or undefended pieces or inadequately guarded pieces. Usually involving a sacrifice, it is a calculable series of moves leading to material or positional gains. It is important to note that a combination cannot exist if at least one of the above factors is not present.

Though several players have attempted to create a clear definition throughout the years, the following definition by Silman and Seirawan is the most accurate: A combination is a sacrifice, combined with a forced sequence of moves, that exploits specific peculiarities of the position in the hope of attaining a certain goal.

Compensation: An equivalent advantage in one imbalance that balances the opponent’s advantage in another. For example: material versus development or space versus a superior minor piece or three pawns versus a Bishop.

Connected Passed Pawns: Two or more pawns of the same color on adjacent files. See Passed Pawn.

Control: To dominate or have the sole use of a file, a square or group of squares, an area of the board, etc. Having the initiative would also put one in “control.”

Counterplay: When the defending side starts his own aggressive action, he is said to have or be initiating counterplay. However, there are varying degrees of counterplay--some equalizing the chances, some not being quite adequate and some leading to the capture of the initiative and subsequently an advantage.

Cramp: A disadvantage in space that leads to a lack of mobility.

Critical Position: That point in a position when the evaluation will clearly turn to one side’s advantage or stabilize down to equality. In such a position the scales are delicately balanced and the slightest error can lead to disaster.

A B C D E F G-H I-L M-N O P Q-R S T U-Z