Strategy

What is a materialism in chess?

  • Strategy
  • Planning
  • Imbalances

Materialism is a strategic concept: playstyle characterized by a willingness to win material at the expense of positional considerations. Chess engines historically were often materialistic. Use the concept to choose a plan: improve a piece, attack a weakness, trade correctly, or prepare a pawn break.

What to look for on the board

  • The long-term weakness.
  • The best piece improvement.
  • The pawn break or trade that helps your plan.

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