Pieces & Activity
What is a control in chess?
- Pieces
- Activity
- Coordination
Control is a piece-play concept: when a player's pawn, piece or pieces guard a square, or squares, or a file, or a rank in such a way that the territory can be advantageously used; and the opponent is prevented from using the territory. Also, the player who has the initiative has control. Ask whether the piece is active, coordinated, and serving a real plan.
What to look for on the board
- Your least active piece.
- Open lines and strong squares.
- Whether pieces coordinate on the same target.
Related terms
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