Pieces & Activity
What is a protection in chess?
- Pieces
- Activity
- Coordination
Protection is a piece-play concept: a piece is protected when another friendly piece controls its square. This somewhat protects the first piece from capture, as there is the option to recapture. This is especially effective if the attacking piece is of greater value than the threatened piece. 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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