Do you think it is better to be an offensive, defensive, or reserved player - or do you think it entirely is based on the sort of person you are?
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A good question. Essentially, you should seek the kind of positions that make you feel comfortable, GMs are known for this kind of "steering" the game toward positions that let their vast experience tip the scales in their favor. But a mistake would be to play aggressive moves solely because you have an aggressive personality (or "quiet" moves in the case of a reserved personality). Your moves should come from the demands of the position, not from your personality. Of course, if when you have a CHOICE of equally good moves, pick the one that suits your temprament.
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In a game it always says 39 strength, - I realize that this is the number of 'strength' in accordance to the number of units you have - how much are each units worth?
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The pieces have the following (relative) values: Pawns = 1 unit, Knights and Bishops = 3 units, Rooks = 5 units, Queen = 9 units. In computer programs, the value of the pieces is constantly changing depending on things like placement ( a knight in the center is worth more than on the edge, etc.), controlled space (amount of squares the piece has influence over), and threats the pieces that are making.
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What should I aim for in a lightning match?
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Here a few things to consider:
- Make moves that force your opponent to think (and thus use up precious time)
- Dont waste time looking at the clock. You need to glance at it maybe twice during a lightning game.
- Pressure your opponent at every opportunity, but give him "options". It is easy to play forced moves fast, but when your opponent has multiple choices, he uses more time.
- Hunt the king. In a fast game, your opponent doesnt have the time to figure out the best defense often, so aggressive and often unsound attacks win! It's sad but true!
- Dont look for the best move -- Instead, make "good" moves FAST!
- If you can (some interfaces dont allow you much choice) make the board as small as you can comfortably see whats going on... there is smaller "mouse motion" when using a small board.
- The last ten seconds of the game LEAST resembles real chess, and you are now playing for time usually... Unless you are closing a mating net around the opponent, your best choices are to shore up a defensive position around your king or keeping your opponent in check if that's possible. Strategies such as taking all your available pieces and surrounding your king with them randomly use up little "thinking" time, and make it harder for your opponent to mate you at the last second.
Hope these ideas help you
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