The game of Chess is indeed very intriguing, and a chess player must employ a variety of strategies and tactics to win. Ideally, one has to determine the perfect technique suited for him or her self. A personal style for the game can be established with the age-old trial and error method. A blending of numerous techniques can result in a style that matches the personality of the player. Irrespective of the different techniques a player can employ, some points are imperative for a good chess player throughout the game.
A simple and most crucial part of the smart player's game is guarded concentration. Often, underestimating this factor has caused ruination of a game. For instance, sometimes a player is focused on the next best move to make, and thus, completely misses an important development. In fact at times, even an adversary's move is over looked or ill considered.
Guarded concentration has to go hand in hand with some futuristic thinking. This involves having a plan that builds your game. However, this does not imply that a player conforms to the plan to an extent that he/she forgets to adapt to situations.
Every move of the adversary should be analyzed and the reasons behind the move should be surmised. No move in this game is ever made without regard. Delving into the adversary's mind and envisioning the plan even before it has been completely formed enables a player to hold the reins of the game. This also gives the player a calm state of mind while the adversary is reduced to complete bewilderment!
The next vital point is to appreciate the value of the pieces on the board. Every piece in Chess is given a rank on the basis of its value. The Pawns are the least valuable with 1 point each. Next in ascending order are the Knights and Bishops with 3points each. Then come the Rooks worth 5 points and finally, the most powerful Queen has 9 points. Keeping these values in mind helps a player to build a strategy for the game. The Queen is valuable indeed and yet, two Rooks can do more harm than a single Queen can. The King, which is the deciding piece can move only one square in any direction. There are times when a decision has to be made to sacrifice a piece as this would help the game in the long term. Now, here it is important to realize which piece can be sacrificed.
Having a foresight of the endgame always pays in the long run. If one has to consider a sacrifice to be made between a Bishop and a Knight, it is a good idea to remember that a Bishop has a range beyond that of a Knight - here range refers to the steps on the chess board. Nevertheless, if the player believes that the Knight will be far more important than the Bishop in achieving the endgame he/she can sacrifice the Bishop for the Knight. There are a number elements that a quality chess player has to deal with throughout the game. Practice with commitment and interest is the path to acquiring all the required skills. However, if a player incorporates these points into his/her game, there shall be, without question, a visibly great improvement.
