MIDDLEGAME TIPS: tip059

* If you have a space advantage (or any other long-term advantage, like the Bishop pair), don’t rush to attack. Milk your advantages – don’t feel obliged to cash in immediately. You should not try to force the issue, but rather maintain or increase your advantage while preventing counterplay. Don’t lash out justy becaiuse you feel there ought to be a winning combination by now. Avoid exchanges and build up your position so that when things do come to a head the situation is at its most favourable to you.

1. Without pawns, you must be at least a Rook ahead in order to force mate (exceptions: R+R wins against two minor pieces; four minor pieces win against a Queen)

2. minor details can affect the outcome

4. If you are one or two pawns behind, exchange pawns but not pieces.

* Bishops are better than Knights in Pawn races, because they can influence each side of the board at once.