Chess Chess Strategy 2

Question 1

What is an 'isolated pawn' in chess?

Accepted Answer

A pawn with no friendly pawns on adjacent files

Answer

An isolated pawn has no friendly pawns on adjacent files to support it, making it a permanent weakness that cannot be defended by other pawns.

Question 2

What is the strategic value of the 'bishop pair'?

Accepted Answer

Two bishops control both diagonals and become very powerful in open positions

Answer

The bishop pair controls both colors of diagonals, becomes especially powerful in open or semi-open positions, and is generally considered a strategic advantage worth roughly half a pawn.

Question 3

What is a 'backward pawn'?

Accepted Answer

A pawn that cannot advance because the square in front is controlled by enemy pawns and has no pawn to support it

Answer

A backward pawn cannot advance safely because the square in front is controlled by enemy pawns, and it has no adjacent friendly pawns to support its advance.

Question 4

What is the concept of 'prophylaxis' in chess strategy?

Accepted Answer

Making a move that prevents the opponent's plan before it is executed

Answer

Prophylaxis refers to anticipating and preventing the opponent's intended plan with a timely defensive or repositioning move before the threat becomes serious.

Question 5

What is the 'principle of two results' in practical chess?

Accepted Answer

Playing for a win or draw while avoiding a loss, choosing variations accordingly

Answer

The principle of two results refers to choosing moves or variations based on the desired outcome — if you need a win, take risks; if a draw suffices, avoid complications that could lose.

Chess Practice Test

Chess Practice Test

Chess Chess Strategy 2