Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Chess Terms [D]
  Glossary of Chess Terms, Definitions, and Acronyms Chess has a rich vocabulary with many terms and acronyms ranging from from ACP to Zwischenzug. Here we provide an alphabetical list of chess terms along with their definitions as well as various acronyms and their definitions. It is our intention for this to be the most comprehensive and complete list available on the Internet. Our glossary of terms and acronyms will be updated on a regular basis as our readers inform us of additions. [Descriptive Notation] [Desperado] [Defense] [Development] [Diagonal] [Discovery, or Discovered Attack] [Double Attack] [Discovered Check] [Doubled Pawns] [Doubled Rooks] [Draw] [Dynamic] [Dynamic Equality] Descriptive Notation [Top] Definition Descriptive notation is an older form of notation which was used for a long time in the English-speaking world. Example The corner squares a1, h1, a8, h8 can be denoted by a single generic term 'R1' for the corner squares QR1, KR1, QR8, and KR8. Side Note Although it has disappeared from modern use, it has accumulated so much literature that it is worthwhile to learn. It also has the advantage that a single type of square. Visit our tutorial to learn more on Descriptive Notation Desperado [Top] Definition A type of combination where a doomed chess piece is going to be captured regardless, is sacrificed for maximum gain. Example A piece is doomed, or a Desperado when it will be lost through a normal exchange of pieces. Side Note Desperado combinations can occur on both sides simultaneously, White and Black each sacrificing a doomed piece on their respective moves. Defense [Top] Definition A move, or plan designed to meet an enemy’s attack or threats. It is also used in the names of various opening initiated from the Black side. Examples Petroff Defense, Caro-Kann Defense, etc. These Black systems are called defenses since White has the first move, and thus Black is considered to be defending. The usual flow from Black’s point of view would be: Defense leading to equalization followed, only then, by the switch over to a counterattack. This is the classical approach. More modern openings are often designed to create immediate imbalances in an effort to seize the initiative as Black. Strange as it may seem, even these counterattacking openings are usually given the title of defenses: Nimzo-Indian Defense, Sicilian Defense, Grunfeld Defense, King’s Indian Defense, etc. Development [Top] Definition Development usually refers to the process of moving one’s pieces from their starting posts to new positions where their activity and mobility are enhanced. The principle of keeping the pieces active operates throughout the game. Side Note It must be remembered that one’s pieces should be developed to squares where they work with the rest of their army towards a particular goal. If an individual piece is providing a useful service on its original square, then there may be no reason to move it. Diagonal [Top] Definition A diagonal is a chain of at least two same-color squares running diagonally from one side of the board to the other. Diagonals are named by the coordinates of their start and end squares : a1-h8 and a8-h1 denote the longest diagonals on the chessboard. Side Note Both the Queen and the Bishop move on diagonals. Unless they are in one of the four corners, they have the choice between a long diagonal and a short diagonal. Discovery, or Discovered Attack [Top] Definition An attack by a piece that was opened up via another piece’s move. Side Note A discovered attack is an important tactical mechanism which occurs when a moving piece leaves a line, uncovering a friendly piece behind it which in turn attacks an enemy piece on the same line. Since the moving piece can attack another enemy piece, we have all the elements for a double attack. Double Attack [Top] Definition An attack on two or more pieces by a single move. Example Forks and Xrays, also called Skewers, are both double attacks. Side Note Discovered attacks are often double attacks when the moving piece threatens a second enemy piece. Discovered Check [Top] Definition A discovered check is a special case of a discovered attack, where the newly attacked piece is a King. Doubled Pawns [Top] Definition Two pawns of the same color on the same file as a result of a capture. Side Note Such pawns are generally considered to be weak, though quite often their ability to control certain squares makes them very useful. Doubled Rooks [Top] Definition Two Rooks forming a battery on a rank or file. Draw [Top] Definition A draw is a game that ends without a winner. Each player receives half a point (1/2 or 0.5). Examples When neither player has enough material to force checkmate; After a stalemate; After 50 moves without a Pawn move or a capture; After the same position has been reached for the third time with the same player to move; or After mutual agreement. Dynamic [Top] Definition The word “dynamic” symbolizes the aggressive potential in any given position or move. Dynamic Equality [Top] Definition Both players have advantages and/or disadvantages which balance each other. In these positions, the more skillful player will often win. Side Notes Although White has a somewhat higher success rate according to statistics, Black can be expected to win a fair number of games. See also Equality and Static Equality Note: This is a work in progress. As more terms are added this will be broken into alphabetical sections from A-Z for terms and definitions, and a separate section will be added for acronyms. You can help us make this the most complete list of chess terms by adding your comments to Chess Speak - What are they talking about? |
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