p.4 It may be said that the occupation of a centre square by placing a piece upon it is not always
necessary: it is at times sufficient merely to control it, thereby preventing its occupation by a hostile unit. Actual
occupation is only of value if it is more or less permanent.
p.9-10 Chess is not played move by move, but in well-considered series of moves, which should meet
all requirements, namely, freedom for the player, constraint for the adversary; proper timing of each individual move; use
of the maximum power of each piece at all times.
p.11 The power of any piece depends on its speed, or, in other words, its power to control or threaten
a certain space in a certain time. The greater the space and the shorter the time, the greater the speed of the piece, and
consequently its power.
Force, as applied to chessmen, is therefore expressed in terms of time and space.
Could there be a more eloquent demonstration of the logical consistency which forms the basis of chess?
p.12 As we have said, the real difference between the pieces lies in their respective speeds : and we
find in chess a curious state of affairs which is peculiar to that game. If a piece attacks another, it is not the weaker
but the stronger one which has to give way.
p.29, 34 The game of chess comprises three elements: force, time and space, and advantages in one or more
of these decide the fate of the game... For the moment let it suffice to draw the amateur's attention to the fact that the
elements under discussion are not merely abstract and theoretical conceptions, but are in fact the very basis of chess, and
that knowledge of them should be of great assistance in the conduct of a game.
p.42 Nearly all manoeuvers which we undertake in order to achieve our aims are in the nature of
threats, and these threats at times may in themselves represent an object for which we strive. A threat is, at all events,
the surest means of maintaining, if not of increasing, any advantage we may have... There are innumerable possible
threats... In the first place there are the direct threats by which the enemy is attacked at once, and
then the distant or deferred threats, the effect of which becomes manifest only after a series of moves.
p.47 It is impossible to enumerate all possible threats, from the simple to the complicated,
from the ruthless capture of a Queen to the subtle occupation of a square or the contest for the centre. They all
aim at one and the same object, the reduction of the opponent's freedom of action; they serve to restrict his pieces, to create
weaknesses in his position, and to prevent him from occupying strong squares and open lines, while allowing us to do so ourselves
to our own advantage.
p.61 In judging a position as a whole, it is necessary to realise whether there is a point of attack which
is decisive for the whole game: should there be one, then is the time to concentrate the whole of the forces, leaving all
unimportant points bare of troops. The alternative, play over the whole board, necessitates a judicious distribution of forces
and leads to a game both more difficult and more complicated. The first-mentioned type of position leads to rapid combinatory
play, the second is typical of positional play with its numerous and slow manoeuvers. When the ultimate aim of the game, namely,
the mate, is within sight, then the utmost boldness is warranted.
p.61-62 In the foregoing chapters we have seen all the fundamental ideas on which the elaboration of a plan
can be based. There are two points which must, however, be borne in mind. It must not be thought that a plan will
occur to us fully worked out in all its details at a given moment...Step by step... it takes shape in our mind, at first in
vague outlines, gaining gradually in definition and character... It must then suffice to evolve an idea, without
realising quite how to carry it out, or even where it will lead... Secondly, let it not be imagined that one single plan is all
that will be required in the course of a whole game... usually more or less clear-cut plans follow one after another... the
average plan hardly ever brings about an immediately decisive result.
p.63 it is impossible to play a satisfactory game without following a strategic plan, which sooner or later
will have to be evolved.
p.66 It is impossible to foresee all the future moves in a game of chess; be satisfied if you can conceive
a more or less extended series of moves which represent a logical plan; it will be a great step forward from the disconnected
manner of the average amateur's play
p.67 we have seen that the complete analysis of a position followed by a synthesis of it as a whole, reveals
to us its character and enables us to find the main idea underlying it. Accordingly our plan takes shape; we realise not only
in which direction we must act, and at which objects we must aim, but also at what speed these objects have to be achieved.
The main thing is to see clearly the essence of the position, so as not to waste time and effort
in attaining unimportant objects... Having a very precise notion of what we wish to do, we must ask ourselves how the opponent
could interfere or prevent the execution of our plan.
p.95 It would be unwise to put too much trust in advantages in one or more elements and to concentrate on
their increase. What is of real moment to us is the advantage in the position as a whole. This, however, can be ascertained
only by an analysis of all the elements.
p.99 it is always important to realise clearly the exigencies [exigencies: Urgent requirements; pressing
needs.] of the three elements [force, time, space], for on these our conduct of the game very frequently depends. If we fail
to realise in which particular element we have an advantage, we may have the most brilliant ideas, but they must of necessity
be aimless, and we shall be unable to select the proper method of carrying them out.
p.103 It is, of course, not essential that each threat should be direct and immediate: they may
be distant threats, perhaps merely indicated by the moves as future contingencies.
p.104 Where an advantage in space exists, it means that the opponent's movements are restricted; his pieces
lack space in which to radiate their full power. It is therefore unnecessary to threaten the adversary; it is sufficient to
prevent his pieces from coming out from their narrow space by controlling the squares in front of his position.
p.111 The lay-out of our own and of enemy pieces must be carefully examined and compared: this will usually
indicate the character and venue of the action which is to be undertaken. We can thus ascertain whether we have immediate
or future attacking chances, and whether or no an attack may lead to mate. This is a question of the greatest importance
p.131-132 how can we exploit and increase our advantage when for one reason or another an attack is not
possible?
It requires a far more subtle and difficult method than a mere attack... The first difficulty arising
from this type of manoeuvres is that the opponent has such a great number of possible replies that it is impossible to foresee
his next move. In order not to lose our way in a multitude of variations, we must, as far as possible, have the clearest conception
of what we want to achieve. A general notion would not suffice. As a starting point, we must first find out in what our superiority
consists, and then where our opponent's real weakness is to be found.
p.133 how can White increase his advantage [in the game being discussed]? The fact that the said advantage
is one of space provides the answer. White must not look for threats; rather must he seek to restrict his opponent more and
more and, in the end, force his pieces more or less into a position of stalemate.
