what is the definition of "positional" and "tactical" players?

My theory is that we all try to find the best move based on both concrete calculation and on higher level ideas about the structure, plans and weaknesses of the position.
Positional vs tactical player (player not chess) can refer to whether you spend more time on one than another or
on which approach to a new position you do first.
It can also mean whether you prefer concrete positions or slower developing ones.
I guess it can also refer to risk tolerance in speculative positions.
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I don't know where I am on that spectrum but one player told me I'm obviously tactical. I should have asked him what he meant by that.
-Bill

if you prefer open positions & fireworks = tactical. If you prefer closed positions with lots of maneuvering = positional.

"... If you make a mistake in a typical Réti Opening middlegame, you may end up getting a small positional disadvantage, ..." - FM Steve Giddins (2003)
"... One final note before we get started. In the forthcoming sections, you'll see that Black often needs to sacrifice material in order to maintain an acceptable position, or take on horrible positional weaknesses to activate his pieces. I think that the opening is sound, and these concessions lead to good compensation, but if you disagree then there's nothing wrong with your chess judgement - you simply should play something else. Even some grandmasters are very sceptical about the merits of the King's Indian (Korchnoi being a prime example), so you'll be in good company! ..." - IM Sam Collins (2005)
"... You should prepare your repertoire according to your own chess tastes and style. ..." - GM Artur Yusupov (2008)

I researched to find an answer for myself and came up with this :

Positional Chess:

• Definition: Positional chess focuses on the long-term strategic aspects of the game. It involves understanding and controlling the structure of the game, like pawn structure, control of the center, piece placement, and king safety.

• Key Elements:

  • Pawn Structure: Managing pawns to create or avoid weaknesses, control key squares, and facilitate or block piece movement.
  • Control of the Center: Dominating the central squares to give pieces more mobility and influence over the board.
  • Piece Development: Placing pieces on good squares where they exert influence without being easily attacked.
  • Prophylaxis: Preventing the opponent from executing their plans by anticipating and blocking their strategies.
  • Endgame Preparation: Positioning pieces and pawns in a way that benefits the endgame.

• Players: Historically, players like Tigran Petrosian and Anatoly Karpov are known for their positional prowess.

Tactical Chess:

• Definition: Tactical chess involves exploiting immediate opportunities to win material, checkmate the opponent, or gain a significant advantage through combinations or sequences of moves. Tactics are often about calculating precise sequences of moves.

• Key Elements:

  • Forcing Moves: Moves that compel the opponent to respond in a certain way, like checks or threats that require immediate action.
  • Combinations: A series of moves leading to a favorable outcome, often involving sacrifices (giving up material temporarily).
  • Tactical Motifs: Common patterns like forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks, and double attacks.
  • Calculation: Being able to see many moves ahead to evaluate the outcome of different sequences.

• Players: Mikhail Tal and Garry Kasparov are renowned for their tactical genius.

Interplay:

• These approaches are not mutually exclusive. The best chess players blend both positional and tactical play.

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