Winning search strategy for intermediate level

Is it difficult for you solving exercises without a theme classification? You don't know where you need to look.

When you are playing a game, what are the signals for you to search for  a tactic? With the right search strategy you can do the job! You need to learn to find weaknesses in your opponent's positions. What are questions you can ask yourself:

• Are there any goals to attack (king, pieces or squares)
• Are there pieces in the same row?
• Does a piece have a defending job?
• Is there a piece on the board with little mobility?

Let's look at a few examples:

attacking goals - king, pieces or squares 0-1

Diagram #1

1...Be4+

For a double attack you need to find an unproteced king, pieces or squares. These can be your attacking goals. In the above position you can play:

2.Kf1 Bxb7

pieces on the same row 1 - The pin 1-0

Diagram #2

1.Rd2

Black has two pieces on the same row. The bishop and a king. This gives you the opportunity for an absolute pin!

1... c5 2.c3

Diagram #3

2... Ke8 3.cxd4

pieces with a defending job - removing the guard 1-0

Diagram #4

1.e5

A prominent feature of the above position is the job of defending the black bishop. You need to spot the pieces with defending jobs!

1... Bg5 (1... Bxe5 2.Bxe7)

2.f4

Diagram #5

( 2.h4)

2... Bh6 3.Bxe7

little mobility - trapped pieces 1-0

Diagram #6

1.Kg2

Little mobility is an important clue to possible material gain. In the above position the black rook is in the danger zone!

1... Rh4 (1... Kf7 2.Kxh3 +- )

2.Bxh4 +-

pieces on the same row 2 - discovered attack 0-1

Diagram #7

1...Rb1+

The white king and rook are at the same row, this makes them vulnerable for a discovered attack.

2.Ke2 Rxh1

After reading this blog you are well prepared for your next game. Let me know if this search strategy benefits you!