Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Chess Terms [G-H]
  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. [Hanging Pawns] [Hypermodern] Gambit Definition An Italian word which invariably applies to the opening, which involves an early sacrifice of material with the idea of gaining a positional advantage such as a lead in development, a stronger center, or some other compensating factor in the hope that the gambit will develop into superior attacking chances. Example Kings gambit, 1.e4 e5 2.f4. Side Notes The sacrifice is usually speculative, but is not easy to refute. The Queen's Gambit is not a true gambit, because the Pawn can't be held. General Principles Definition Basic rules of play designed to serve as guidelines for less advanced players. As one’s experience grows, one learns that rules are meant to be broken. Explanation The old adage of always capture with a pawn towards the center is widely followed, but a good percentage of the time it is correct to capture away from the center. Other rules, such as avoid doubled pawns, castle as early as possible, develop Knights before Bishops, etc., are also just as suspect. The simple fact is that every situation must be looked at with an open mind. Ghosts Definition Threats that exist only in your own mind. Examples A fear of your opponent, or a lack of confidence will often lead to the appearance of ghosts, and the cropping up of blunders in your play. GM Acronym Grandmaster Brief Description Aside from World Champion, the highest title that one can achieve. Side Note See Grandmaster below. GMA Acronym Grandmasters Association. Side Notes founded 1987 by Garry Kasparov to give a voice to grandmasters dissatisfied with the FIDE. The GMA was supplanted in 1993 by the PCA, another Kasparov organization. Grandmaster Definition Conferred by FIDE, it is the highest title (International Chess Title), aside from World Champion, that one can achieve. Side Notes The Grandmaster title is awarded to players who meet established performance standards. Other titles in order of their importance, International Master, and FIDE Master. Once these titles are earned the cannot be taken away. Grandmaster Draw Definition At one time, whe Grandmasters would make a quick, uninteresting draw, it would be called a Grandmaster draw. Side Note Nowadays, a quick draw between any class of players is given the same label. Hack Definition A derogatory chess term meaning a state of chess ineptitude. Halfopen Game Definition Oenings where White plays 1.e4 and Black replies with a move other than 1...e5. Side Note More commonly known as a, "Semiopen Game." Handicap Definition When two players of different playing strength play a friendly game, the stronger player often plays with a handicap. Example The stronger player may play the game without a piece, such as a Queen, or Rook. Side Note More commonly refered to as, "Odds." Hanging Definition An unprotected piece or pawn exposed to capture is said to be hanging. Hanging Pawns [Top] Definition Two adjacent friendly pawns on their fourth rank, separated from other friendly pawns, and subject to frontal attack on one or two half-open files. Side Note Through these pawns are often objects of attack, they also possess a certain dynamic potential. Hog Definition A slang term for Rook. Hold Definition A defensive term meaning to, “hang on.” Explanation Such and such a move would 'hold,' means that the mentioned move would have allowed a successful defense. Side Note Such and such a move would have 'held out longer,' means that the move would have offered tougher resistance, but would most likely have ultimately failed. Hole Definition A hole is a square that cannot be guarded by a Pawn. Such a square makes an excellent home for enemy pieces, especially Knights. Example The opening 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.e4 is playable, but leaves a hole on d4 that, after 3…g6 and 4…Bg7, can easily be used by a Black piece. Side Note A hole is a serious weakness in the Pawn structure because the opponent can play a piece to that square knowing that the piece cannot be driven away by a Pawn. Holes are most troublesome when they arise on a player's own 3rd and 4th ranks. Such a square makes an excellent home for enemy pieces, especially Knights. A player tries to create a hole in the opponent's Pawn structure and then move a piece to the hole. At the same time the player tries to prevent holes from being created in his own Pawn structure. Hutch Definition A special room set aside for players in a tournament to analyze their games. Side Notes Such a room allows various kinds of activity to go on without disturbing the unfinished games in the tournament, usually used by the non-masters See also skittles, and rabbit. Hypermodern Definition A school of thought that insists that indirect control of the center is better than direct occupation in the opening of a game. Brief History A term attributed to Saviely Tartakower (1887-1956). Other founding members of the Hypermodern school were Aron Nimzovitch (1886-1935) and Richard Réti (1889-1929). The Hypermoderns opposed the classical chess teaching that Pawns should be moved to the center of the chess board in the opening (1.e4 and 1.d4). In particular Reti and Nimzovich successfully propagated the idea of central control from the flanks. They believed that Pawns in the center presented a target for the opponent. Side Notes The Hypermodern openings were variations where at least one player refrained from moving Pawns into the center. An example of a Hypermodern opening for White is 1.Nf3, the Reti System; an example for Black is 1.e4 Nf6, Alekhine's Defense. Today it is recognized that both schools of thought are correct, and a blending of the two is the only truly balanced method. 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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