What is Equalizing means ? • page 1/1 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

chanakam2000

In lot of game analyzes I have see things like "Black equalized the game with 15.... b5" or "Black is still struggling to solve opening problems and equalize the game". (As I see most of the time it talking equalizing from black players side).
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But what is actually this equalizing means ? Is it some point where engines start to show 0.0 or near zero value for evaluation after the initial slight +0.4 like values ?
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The annotations like "Black equalized the game with 15.... b5" come from after the game analyzes with computer support ?
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Or do strong players really know/feel whether game is equalized at some point during the game ?
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If splayers looking about equalization during the game play how they do it ? What are the things they looking to consider whether game is equalized or whether still need to fight for or to prevent equalization. Is there a systematic way to look about equalization ( Things like number of developed pieces, number of squares controlled etc ? )
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Thank you !

In lot of game analyzes I have see things like "Black equalized the game with 15.... b5" or "Black is still struggling to solve opening problems and equalize the game". (As I see most of the time it talking equalizing from black players side). . But what is actually this equalizing means ? Is it some point where engines start to show 0.0 or near zero value for evaluation after the initial slight +0.4 like values ? . The annotations like "Black equalized the game with 15.... b5" come from after the game analyzes with computer support ? . Or do strong players really know/feel whether game is equalized at some point during the game ? . If splayers looking about equalization during the game play how they do it ? What are the things they looking to consider whether game is equalized or whether still need to fight for or to prevent equalization. Is there a systematic way to look about equalization ( Things like number of developed pieces, number of squares controlled etc ? ) . Thank you !

CM Sarg0n

#2

No, nobody knows for sure. During a game it feels more or less comfortable. Sometimes you win a position which was lost without equalizing or vice versa. It's experience unless you examined the position with an engine prior to that. The you know the verdict of the machine but good positions won't win games. It's good moves.

tpr

#3

It is a term from the past century, when white was believed to have a substantial advantage and where subpar white moves were supposed to allow black to equalize, i.e. to reach an equal position. That was long before engines.

The present prevailing opinion is that the initial position is equal i.e. draw with best plays from both sides. Only black has more ways to go wrong than white.

It is a term from the past century, when white was believed to have a substantial advantage and where subpar white moves were supposed to allow black to equalize, i.e. to reach an equal position. That was long before engines. The present prevailing opinion is that the initial position is equal i.e. draw with best plays from both sides. Only black has more ways to go wrong than white.

Toscani

#4

In the opening white has the initiative. Once white has lost the initiative, normally the game is equalized. Both have equal chances with their unbalanced temporary advantages to gain the initiative. During that time, if black gains the initiative, white will normally need to equalize first before regaining the initiative. Unless a player blunders a piece and someone gets a solid (near permanent) advantage. The initiative would then be to simplify to win the game. The player with a piece down, will need more subtle advantages to equalize for the lost piece. (Advantages that will compensate for the lost piece)

White Initiative » Equalize « Black Initiative.
If neither side can gain the initiative the game has equalized to a draw. Position equalled to a draw.

In the opening white has the initiative. Once white has lost the initiative, normally the game is equalized. Both have equal chances with their unbalanced temporary advantages to gain the initiative. During that time, if black gains the initiative, white will normally need to equalize first before regaining the initiative. Unless a player blunders a piece and someone gets a solid (near permanent) advantage. The initiative would then be to simplify to win the game. The player with a piece down, will need more subtle advantages to equalize for the lost piece. (Advantages that will compensate for the lost piece) White Initiative » Equalize « Black Initiative. If neither side can gain the initiative the game has equalized to a draw. Position equalled to a draw.

chanakam2000

#5

Thank you everyone for insight .

lurarose

#6

Equalizing is a term typically used in the opening / middle game when black has successfully gotten himself equal chances to win or draw by making the position balanced enough. White starts the game with a slight advantage.

At low-level play the first move advantage is not really much of a thing, and it is anyone's game. Black has equalized at starting position.

Sometimes you may hear some players mention a position being equalized other than in the opening. You may hear some people say they have equalized a position if they do any of the following :
(Although equalized typically only refers to the opening)

-Create a fortress in what looked like a losing endgame
-Win back some lost material that was blundered away
-Your opponent blunders a winning game into a drawn position
-ect

Equalizing is a term typically used in the opening / middle game when black has successfully gotten himself equal chances to win or draw by making the position balanced enough. White starts the game with a slight advantage. At low-level play the first move advantage is not really much of a thing, and it is anyone's game. Black has equalized at starting position. Sometimes you may hear some players mention a position being equalized other than in the opening. You may hear some people say they have equalized a position if they do any of the following : (Although equalized typically only refers to the opening) -Create a fortress in what looked like a losing endgame -Win back some lost material that was blundered away -Your opponent blunders a winning game into a drawn position -ect