Positional Chess
Positional Chess: Play based on long-term features such as structure, space, squares, and piece quality.
In-Depth Explanation
Positional chess improves lasting elements of a position when no forcing combination is available. Typical decisions involve favorable exchanges, pawn breaks, outposts, and the worst-placed piece. It is not the opposite of calculation: accurate positional play still verifies tactics before committing.
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
Play based on long-term features such as structure, space, squares, and piece quality.
Study model positions, explain the idea in your own words, and test the key decisions on the interactive board.
Want to master your chess openings?
Join thousands of players who use our cloud repertoire lab to store and train their secret weapons.
Get Started with Repertoire Master (PRO)