My System

1. Mastering the Elements: The Foundation of Chess Strategy

In my opinion, the following should be considered as the basic elements of chess strategy: 1. The centre 2. Open files 3. Play on the 7th and 8th ranks 4. The passed pawn 5. The pin 6. Discovered check 7. The pawn chain 8. Exchanging.

Chess strategy's building blocks. Nimzowitsch identifies eight fundamental elements that form the basis of all chess strategy. These elements, including the center, open files, passed pawns, and pins, are not merely tactical considerations but strategic concepts that shape the entire game. Understanding these elements is crucial for players of all levels, from beginners to masters.

Interconnectedness of elements. Each element is deeply intertwined with the others, creating a complex web of strategic possibilities. For example, control of the center can lead to the opening of files, which in turn can facilitate the creation of passed pawns. Mastering these connections is key to developing a comprehensive understanding of chess strategy.

A manual of chess, not just openings. Nimzowitsch emphasizes that his work is a manual of chess, not simply a guide to opening lines. He aims to provide a framework for understanding the underlying principles of the game, enabling players to make informed decisions in any situation. This approach contrasts with traditional chess manuals that focus primarily on memorizing opening variations.

2. The Center: Control, Mobility, and Strategic Surrender

As you know, the centre is specifically the point of issue of the chess revolution which took place in the years 1 9 1 1 -19 1 3.

Redefining central control. Nimzowitsch challenges the traditional view of the center as a space that must be occupied by pawns. He argues that control of the center can be achieved through various means, including piece placement and influence over key squares. This revolutionary idea paved the way for the neo-romantic school of chess.

Mobility as a key factor. A free and mobile center constitutes a terrible attacking weapon, since the threatened advance of the central pawns would drive back the opponent's pieces. However, in all such cases it depends on whether the knight which is driven off is in fact driven "from pillar to post" or whether it will manage to find a good position or make good use of its tempi.

Strategic surrender of the center. Nimzowitsch explores the concept of surrendering the center, arguing that it can be a viable strategy under certain conditions. This involves allowing the opponent to establish a pawn center while focusing on restraining its mobility and exploiting weaknesses on the flanks. This approach requires a deep understanding of positional play and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.

3. Open Files: Pathways to the Seventh Rank

The theory of open files, which I discovered, is to be regarded as one of the cornerstones of my system.

Open files as strategic highways. Nimzowitsch emphasizes the importance of open files as pathways for rooks and queens to penetrate the opponent's position. The ultimate goal of operating on a file is to reach the seventh or eighth rank, where these pieces can exert maximum pressure.

Creating and exploiting open files:

• Open files can occur peacefully through exchanges or as a result of an attack.
• Centralized pieces are more likely to be exchanged, leading to open files.
• The file next to the object of attack is often the one to be opened.

Overcoming obstacles. Protected pawns can act as "blocks of granite" that prevent access to the seventh rank. To overcome these obstacles, it may be necessary to undermine them by attacking their support or sacrificing material to clear the way. The choice between an evolutionary (gradual) and revolutionary (sacrificial) attack depends on the specific situation.

4. Seventh and Eighth Ranks: Endgame Dominance and Revolutionary Attacks

The idea behind any operation on a file consists of finally penetrating via that file in to the opponent's position, in other words on to the 7th or 8th rank.

Endgame advantage. Nimzowitsch highlights the importance of the seventh and eighth ranks as endgame advantages. Occupying these ranks with rooks and queens can restrict the opponent's king, control key squares, and create mating threats.

Convergent and revolutionary attacks:

• Convergent attacks involve bringing multiple pieces to bear on a specific target on the seventh rank.
• Revolutionary attacks involve sacrificing material to forcibly clear a path to the seventh or eighth rank.

Marauding and flanking attacks. When there is insufficient resistance, the attacker will secure the entry squares and penetrate to the 7th and 8th ranks, where it is not uncommon for him to carry out a marauding or flanking attack.

5. The Passed Pawn: A Soulful Force to Be Blockaded or Liberated

It may sound somewhat amusing, but let me assure you, my dear reader, that for me the passed pawn possesses a soul, just like a human being.

Passed pawns as strategic actors. Nimzowitsch personifies passed pawns, attributing to them desires, fears, and a "lust to expand." This unique perspective emphasizes the dynamic nature of passed pawns and their influence on the overall game.

Blockading passed pawns. Blockading a passed pawn is a crucial defensive technique. The blockading piece restricts the pawn's mobility, prevents it from promoting, and can serve as a base for counterattacks. The blockading piece should be carefully chosen based on its ability to control key squares and coordinate with other pieces.

Liberating passed pawns. While blockading is often necessary, the ultimate goal is to liberate the passed pawn and allow it to promote. This may involve sacrificing material, undermining the blockading piece, or creating a diversion to draw away defenders.

6. Exchanging: A Tool for Tempo, Defense, and Strategic Advantage

We exchange in order to occupy (or open) a line without loss of time.

Exchanging for tempo. Exchanging pieces can be a powerful way to gain tempo, especially when the recapturing piece is poorly positioned or needs to move again. This can lead to a lead in development and a strategic advantage.

Exchanging to destroy defenders. Exchanging can be used to eliminate key defenders, opening up lines of attack and weakening the opponent's position. This is particularly effective when the defender is protecting a strategically important pawn or square.

Exchanging to avoid retreat. Exchanging can be a way to avoid losing time by retreating a piece under attack. This is especially important in the opening and middlegame, where tempo is crucial for development and initiative.

7. Endgame Strategy: Centralization, Aggressive Rooks, and Pawn Welding

In general the knight seeks to remain in the centre, as in the first example (diagram 2 1 ) and it is quite exceptional for it to move to the edge of the board (diagram 24) .

Centralization of the king. In the endgame, the king becomes an active piece and should be centralized to control key squares and support pawn advances. This is a significant departure from the middlegame, where the king is typically kept safe in a castled position.

Aggressive rook placement. Rooks are particularly effective in the endgame when they are aggressively posted on open files or the seventh rank. This allows them to control key squares, attack weak pawns, and support pawn promotion.

Welding together isolated troops. In the endgame, it is important to connect isolated pieces and pawns to create a cohesive force. This can involve bringing the king to support isolated pawns or using rooks to connect pawns on different files.

8. Pins and Discovered Checks: Tactical Weapons of Control and Surprise

The degree of relationship between the "pin" and the "discovered check" is defined more closely - Where is the best place for the piece which is discovering the check?

Pins as strategic constraints. A pinned piece is restricted in its movement, making it a valuable target for attack. The protection offered by a pinned piece is only imaginary, and the attacker should not hesitate to exploit this weakness.

Discovered checks as tactical opportunities. A discovered check involves moving a piece to reveal an attack on the opponent's king. This can create tactical opportunities for winning material, forcing the king into a vulnerable position, or delivering mate.

The treadmill (windmill). A treadmill (windmill) is a series of discovered checks that can inflict significant damage. The piece which is discovering the check should be placed in the best possible position to maximize its impact.

9. Pawn Chains: Understanding Structure, Attack, and Restraint

The theory of open files, which I discovered, is to be regarded as one of the cornerstones of my system.

Pawn chains as strategic frameworks. Pawn chains are interconnected pawn structures that divide the board into two distinct battlefields. Understanding the characteristics of pawn chains is crucial for developing a strategic plan.

Attacking the base of the pawn chain. The base of the pawn chain is the most vulnerable point and should be the primary target of attack. This can involve undermining the base with pawn moves or bringing pieces to bear on it.

Restraining the pawn chain. Restraining the opponent's pawn chain is a key defensive strategy. This involves preventing the pawns from advancing and limiting their mobility. Blockading pieces and well-placed pawns can be used to achieve this goal.

10. Positional Play: Prophylaxis, Mobility, and the Art of Restraint

Next to prophylaxis, the idea of the "general mobility" of the pawn mass constitutes one of the main pillars of my teachings on positional play.

Prophylaxis as a cornerstone. Nimzowitsch emphasizes the importance of prophylaxis, or preventing the opponent's plans, as a key element of positional play. This involves anticipating potential threats and taking measures to neutralize them before they materialize.

Mobility of the pawn mass. The general mobility of the pawn mass is another key pillar of Nimzowitsch's teachings on positional play. A mobile pawn mass can be a powerful attacking weapon, driving back the opponent's pieces and creating weaknesses in their position.

Restraint as a strategic tool. Restraint involves limiting the opponent's options and restricting their freedom of movement. This can be achieved by blockading key squares, controlling important files, and preventing pawn advances.

11. Doubled Pawns: Dynamic Weakness or Instrument of Restraint?

The only true strength of doubled pawns.

Doubled pawns as a dynamic weakness. Doubled pawns can be a dynamic weakness, especially when they are isolated or difficult to defend. This weakness can be exploited by attacking the pawns, restricting their mobility, and creating outposts for pieces.

Doubled pawns as an instrument of restraint. Doubled pawns can also be used as an instrument of restraint, limiting the opponent's options and controlling key squares. This is particularly effective when the doubled pawns are part of a larger pawn mass and can be used to support other pieces.

The importance of context. The value of doubled pawns depends on the specific context of the game. Factors such as the mobility of the pawns, the presence of open files, and the position of the pieces must be considered when evaluating their strength or weakness.

12. The Isolated Queen's Pawn: Dynamic Potential vs. Endgame Weakness

Take any central pawn if it can be done without too great a danger!

Dynamic strength of the isolated queen's pawn. The isolated queen's pawn (IQP) can be a dynamic strength in the middlegame, providing control of key squares and facilitating attacks. The IQP can also be used as a lever to open up lines and create attacking opportunities.

Endgame weakness of the isolani. The isolani is an endgame weakness. The isolated queen's pawn can become a liability in the endgame, as it is difficult to defend and can be easily targeted by the opponent's pieces. This is especially true when the opponent has a passed pawn or a strong pawn majority.

Balancing dynamic strength and endgame weakness. The key to playing with or against the isolated queen's pawn is to balance its dynamic strength in the middlegame with its potential endgame weakness. This requires careful planning, precise calculation, and a deep understanding of positional play.

Last updated: March 31, 2025