One of the first things new players learn in chess is the relative value of the pieces. For instance, a queen = 9 points, rook = 5 points, bishop = 3 points, knight = 3 points, pawn = 1 point,, and the king’s value is infinite. Of course, there are different scales too, but this one is widely accepted.
Soon after, these players are taught that this scale cannot be applied everywhere because circumstances matter greatly. However, as everyone knows, unlearning something is very difficult, especially when the concept in question is applicable in most situations. Therefore, many different kinds of scenarios should be introduced to a student so that he will be familiarized with them and learn new strategic ideas.
To illustrate these ideas, we can consider how the value of a pawn increases significantly when it is a pass pawn. A position where one side has a pass pawn is highly dynamic, especially if the pawn has reached the 7th/2nd rank. Aron Nimzowitsch emphasizes the dangerous aspect of the pass pawn by this quote: “A passed pawn is a criminal which should be kept under lock and key. Mild measures, such as police surveillance, are not sufficient.”
Game of the Week is: Predke, Alexandr vs. Kezin, Roman
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Edited by Della Almind
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