Exchange Sacrifice
Exchange Sacrifice: Giving up a rook for a bishop or knight to gain non-material compensation.
In-Depth Explanation
An exchange sacrifice usually costs about two points of material but can destroy a pawn structure, remove a key defender, secure dominant squares, or create a lasting attack. The Sicilian Defense contains many thematic rook-for-knight sacrifices on c3 because the structural and king-safety damage can outweigh the material.
Related Strategy Terms
Zugzwang
A situation where a player is forced to make a move that will significantly weaken their position.
Tempo
A unit of time in chess: one move. Gaining a tempo means forcing the opponent to waste a move.
Opposition
A king-and-pawn endgame concept where kings face each other with one square between them; the player not to move holds the opposition.
Recommended Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Giving up a rook for a bishop or knight to gain non-material compensation.
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