ArtsAutosBooksBusinessEducationEntertainmentFamilyFashionFoodGamesGenderHealthHolidaysHomeHubPagesPersonal FinancePetsPoliticsReligionSportsTechnologyTravel

Chess for Beginners; Middle Game Strategy

Updated on July 6, 2016
Deborah Demander profile image



The Middle Game

The middlegame of chess lies like peanut butter, between the opening and endgame. The opening prepares pieces for battle, lining them up, and setting the board. The endgame allows for exploitation of strength, or clinging desperately to the final vestiges of hope. Middlegame play sticks it all together, a time in which planning, strategizing and scheming develop the game as you put together a winning plan.

The chess board continually evolves during a game. As plans are laid, they can also be thwarted or capitalized upon. During middle play, one must overcome obstacles and seek to achieve a winning strategy.

While creating such a plan, it is useful to employ the analytical method to your game. By asking yourself the following questions, one may enjoy a stronger position on the board. While the list may seem laborious, it is effective. Once you begin to analyze your position on the board, and ask the questions, the analytical method flows easily and logically.

The Analytical Method

1. Does the last move pose a threat? Deal with the threat. Be careful to watch for not only an attack by the piece moved, but also an attack by a piece that was blocked by the piece moved. Evaluate and respond to any threats.

2. Are all my pieces protected? If they are under threat, protect them or move them. Are any of my opponents pieces open for free capture? (Unguarded and vulnerable).

3. Is my King safe? Is the opposing King vulnerable? Can I sacrifice a piece to prevent castling? Be careful with this. Have I castled?

4. Did my opponent defend against the threat of my last move? What is my next plan of attack? Is my opponent's King vulnerable?

5. Are all my pieces developed? Typically, it is better not to move one piece multiple times, until all of your pieces have been developed. Play to the center of the board.

6. Can I move a Rook to an open file? Rooks are more effective when on a long file down the board, typically on d- or e- file. Can I double my Rooks or have a Rook-Queen on an open file?

7. What are my opponents weakness? How can I exploit them? What targets should I consider attacking?

8. How can I attack the targets? What other weaknesses might be exploited? What is my plan?

9. Does my move overlook something simple? Will I leave my Queen or King vulnerable? Always check this.

10. Look with a clean, unbiased mind. Look away from the board for a few seconds, before looking back with a fresh mind. Am I about to make a blunder? Am I leaving a piece hanging? Double-check everything and analyze any possible forced moves.

An Awesome Trap

Using the checklist may not ensure a win, but it will hopefully keep you from making obvious blunders in your game. The checklist can help develop a stronger game. Rather than memorizing one attack, like the one shown in the above video, the checklist allows one the flexibility to respond to attack, and rethink the middlegame.

Namaste friends


    0 of 8192 characters used
    Post Comment
    • Deborah Demander profile imageAUTHOR

      Deborah Demander 

      9 years ago from First Wyoming, then THE WORLD

      Chess can be a great way to sharpen critical thinking, and relieve stress.


    • suny51 profile image


      9 years ago

      I love the game and play it for my mental satisfaction.

    • sagbee profile image


      9 years ago from Delhi

      Well, informative hub.. Chess has always been a headache to me.. I like this game but always lost.. good info you have procided for begginers :)


    This website uses cookies



    Show Details
    LoginThis is necessary to sign in to the HubPages Service.
    AkismetThis is used to detect comment spam. (Privacy Policy)
    Google AdSenseThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    Index ExchangeThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    SovrnThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    Facebook AdsThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    AppNexusThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    OpenxThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    Rubicon ProjectThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
    TripleLiftThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)