Definition: In simple words prophylaxis is stopping opponent’s idea. In the game of Chess one plays according to some strategies. The moves of a player are based on that. One must constantly look for figuring out opponent’s idea of any move played let alone last move.
Illustration:
look at this diagram with Black to move. Here White is threatening a checkmate on h7 in next move. Black must be in some dream so instead of playing h6,he plays a rook move and gets checkmated.How to develop Prophylactic thinking?
Following methods can be adopted while playing:-
- Ask yourself what is the threat created by your opponent’s last move. a check mate? or a piece capture? This is beginner’s training of mind to develop prophylactic thinking but pretty effective
- Next comes the bigger ideas one must look for in opponent’s last move. For example-controlling square, mating Nate etc.
Example
- Finally comes the practice factor. One needs to practice a number of positions and there is no short cut to this. It is suggested to have a good book on this. Although there are many good books, Chessophile recommends ‘THE COMPLETE MANNUAL OF POSITIONAL CHESS.’
Test Your Skill:-
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