Fortress
Fortress: A defensive setup that cannot be broken despite an apparent material disadvantage.
In-Depth Explanation
A fortress draws because the stronger side has no way to make progress without allowing stalemate, perpetual check, or material loss. Engines historically misjudged some fortresses because the static advantage looks large. The defender should preserve the exact piece placement and avoid unnecessary pawn moves.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A defensive setup that cannot be broken despite an apparent material disadvantage.
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