Pieces & Activity

What is a active in chess?

  • Pieces
  • Activity
  • Coordination

An active piece is doing useful work: it controls important squares, attacks targets, or supports a plan. When a piece is active, it makes your threats easier to create and your opponent's defense harder.

What to look for on the board

  • Does the piece attack useful squares?
  • Can it join a tactic or attack?
  • Is it better than the opponent's matching piece?

Related terms

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