What it takes to win the Middle Game

Inside we’re trying to find the best training method and build the best course on top of it. Watch the introduction video for more info :)

This video teaches you how to play chess after the opening. That stage is know as the middle game. Especially beginners and intermediate players often struggle with the Middlegame, strategy and positions. Subscribe if you want to see more.

[chesspagereal]

When I was talking to people on the calls, many many beginners said that they think they need to learn middle game strategy. So I decided to make a video like this, specifically adressing that feeling and giving them basic advice, but also taking a moment to explain why they actually need tactics more. Otherwise they‘d be lost in some random grandmasters strategy guide that’s way above their heads

[menace]

After you told me not to blunder, I went ahead and won 45 games in a row! Thanks, ChessPage1!

[austynrose]

Honestly the “don’t blunder” advice as funny or simple as it sounds it helped a lot. Just make a move that isn’t detrimental, it doesn’t have to win you the game in the spot it just has to make you not immediately lose. Just win two games in pretty brutal fashion. Thank you very much for the videos.

[tripat_singh]

I lost interest in chess about 2-3 months ago and then I found your videos. Needless to say my elo has gone up by about 100 points

[martelogr]

Things to keep note to not blunder in the middlegame:

Rupture pawn chains to weaken pawn structure;
Moving pawns weakens squares;
Always check what pieces can be placed on better squares;
Simplify when winning;
Complicate when losing;
Counter flank attack with central attack;
Move king out of exposed diagonals or columns;
Always look for active moves before passive moves;
When two or more of my opponent pieces is looking to one square on my side, it’s an threat that needs to be controlled or countered;
Try to get control of opponent light squares or dark squares (especially if they don’t have a bishop or have a bad bishop);
Categorize every opponent move, attacking, defensive, neutral or mistake;
Pinning the knight on the opening is a mistake if you have no plans of taking and the opponent hasn’t castled

RULES FOR TRADING

Do not define tensions on the board except when you get clear advantage (weak square or ruining opponent pawn structure for example);
Exchange weak pieces for strong pieces
Exchange defensive pieces for attacking pieces
DO NOT EXCHANGE GOOD PIECES OR GOOD PAWNS FOR BAD PIECES OR BAD PAWNS;
In a trade think about the pieces that will be left over;
Antipositional exchanges that gives us something more valuable (a open file, blocking opponent pieces)
Try to trade pieces that defend squares to get that weak square for my pieces;
Focus on attack the pawn on my most in front pawn (rupture)

[akulsharma]

"Just don't blunder" man I can't tell you how much i needed to hear that. As a 1400 rated player, I blunder a lot of material without even realizing. This guide really helped.

[Kingslayer-]

Thanks for your videos - I went from 400 ratings to 100 💯

[jefftaylor]

I just straight up can’t tell how well I’m playing sometimes. I just played a rapid game where I won but it took me like 50 moves to win and I was thinking that I had to pull that one out of my ass, but when I looked at the game review, it said I was never in trouble and I actually had an accuracy of 91% and I had a performance rating of 2300.

Thought I was completely losing the whole game

[IsaacAlcocer]

00:01 Understanding positional strategy in the middle game is essential for strong gameplay.
01:04 Studying the endgame is crucial to improving your middle game in chess
02:07 Improving tactics is essential for chess strategy.
03:06 Avoid blunders and spot opponent's blunders to become a good chess player.
04:04 Basic middle game principles that actually matter
05:03 Occupying the open file is crucial in the middle game
06:03 Avoid weak squares and isolated pawns in your pawn structure.
07:07 Occupying the center and protecting advanced pieces is crucial.

[EcstaticMonkey]

Piece activity and maneuvering: Rooks on open files, bishops on open diagonals, and knights on outpost. Find a passive piece and move it to a better square where it is more active. Remember to make threats, that is how you get tactical opportunities.

Do study master games: Studying master games and taking note of what they do in the middlegame is a very good way of learning the middlegame. You shall Analyse games of players who play the openings you play. So for example, if you are a London System player you can for example analyze Magnus Carlsens games in the London.

[manishv]

I started playing chess after watching your videos. Chess is just fun now. Can't wait for more of your videos. You're awesome.

[tirraent]

Men, I have a chess tournament on Saturday, you are saving me with this absolute masterpiece, thank you for this video and the one about the London system, greatings from Switzerland.💪

[anasgame]

Thank you chesspage 1 for your educational content!
before i started watching your videos i was 500 elo, and now im 400 elo..
thank you chesspage1!

[soyelteddy]

Thanks man, i started playing about 3 months ago, just doing random moves and stuff, thanks to you i started actually learning while having fun, and also thanks to you i went up from 800 to 1400 on those 3 months tks mate ❤❤

[eastoncampbell]

i listened to this and lost 12 games in a row

[UncommonRD]

“You don’t have a game plan. Your opponent doesn’t have a game plan. Everybody is confused” 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[jeanneslepeshau]

Everyone knows, how to play middlegame properly, but sometimes it needs to be said, and you do it perfectly my guy

[coreysanders]

The first game after watching this, and not blundering, I beat a 2000 elo bot. Thanks ChessPage1 👍

[tenok]

I swear to god the advice to let your opponent decide which move to play is so fun. I ended up winning because my opponent blundered or because they had no time left so many times. Great tip, thanks man

[SKGamer-zrdg]

The "don't blunder" worked so good, i went without a loss for 30 games straight in rapid. Some draw and most i won. Thanks chesspage1!
Keep up the good work!❤