The Nothing-To-Play-Position

What is this Nothing-To-Play-Position?

So this is a very common position that mostly occurs in the middle-game when there are a lot of pieces out there on the board. Another way to describe this position is when there is nothing to play. It feels like your opponent controls every square and you can't play anything. This is a very hypothetical position. It means that this is only in your mind. And admit, it you have came across this position. So really how are we supposed to get over this? Well today let us discuss that.

Is there something to play?

There is always something to play, whether it is a good move or not. So get rid of that thought first. Secondly you must focus on what chess is about. Now I bet you are thinking what is chess about. Well it is not just about winning it is also about making bad pieces good. So what is a good piece and what is a bad one.

Good or Bad pieces

Bishop (Good or Bad)

• If the center pawns are the same colour as the bishop and bishop is stuck inside the pawn chain it is bad
• If the center pawns are the same colour as the bishop, but the bishop is outside the pawn chain it is 50-50 bishop
• If the center pawn is on the opposite colour then the bishop is good.
• Bishop is more powerful when the center is open

Knight (Good or Bad)

• Knight loves outpost (weak square)
• Knight is more powerful when center is closed
• When knight is on 2nd rank it plays a defensive role
• When knight is on the 3rd rank it is an active knight
• When knight is on the 4th rank it is equally powerful to a bishop
• When knight is on the 5th rank it is more powerful than a bishop
• When the knight is on the 6th rank it is equally powerful as a rook

Rook (Good or Bad)

• Rook is good on a half open line
• Rook is better on the full open line
• Rook is best on the 7th or 2nd rank

Pawn (Good or Bad)

• Alone pawn (A pawn no with no friends in neighbouring files)
• Double pawn (When a pawn is on the same file) is bad
• Backward pawn (A pawn that is not supported by any other pawn) is bad

(This blog will soon be updated with the Queen (Good or Bad)

Summary

• There is always something to play
• Make bad pieces good
• exchange your bad pieces with opponents good pieces
• Do all that when you feel there is nothing to play

I hope you found this blog useful,
Naksh Katti