Chess Patterns
Chess is a complex game. But did you know that there's a secret to making it simpler? Chess patterns can help you to understand and play chess much better!
Here's what you need to know about chess patterns:
What Is A Chess Pattern?
A chess pattern is any piece arrangement that happens regularly during the course of many chess games. In particular, chess patterns allow one of the players to make a move (or combination of moves) that is to their advantage once the player can recognize the pattern.
The most common patterns in chess are tactical patterns, like forks, skewers, pins, and more. However, there are also positional patterns that a player can take advantage of while they're playing.
Why Are Chess Patterns Important?
Chess patterns are important because they give you a "shortcut" to find good moves in a position. Take tactical patterns, for example. If you're looking at a position like the one below for the first time, it might take some time for you to find the best move:
However, the piece placement that allowed Black to checkmate their opponent is not that uncommon in chess—in fact, it's a common pattern. If you've seen that chess pattern before, it's easier for you to find the best move in positions like the one below:
Examples Of Chess Patterns
There are many chess patterns that players can learn to improve their game. Below are a few examples:
Checkmate Patterns
The back rank mate is a common pattern where one of the players leaves their first rank unprotected and no escape squares for their castled king.
When one of the players moves their b- or g-pawns, and there are no pieces around to defend the king, it's not uncommon for their opponent to explore the weaknesses left behind. One of the easiest ways to do it is with a pawn or a bishop and a queen.
When one of the players has their queen and knight cooperating to attack a king protected by a lonely rook, a smothered mate can be lurking. This checkmate pattern is one of the most satisfying combinations in chess.
You can learn more about other checkmate patterns here.
Tactical Patterns
One of the most common tactical chess patterns happens when two pieces are on the same rank and separated by one square. When this is the case, players often can use a pawn fork to win material.
Another common tactical pattern happens when one of the players leaves two pieces aligned on the same rank, file, or diagonal. The other player can then use a skewer to win material.
Positional Patterns
Positional patterns can be harder to spot, but they can give you an advantage even if you don't have more material.
A classic example is when one of the players has a "good knight" against a "bad bishop." In the example below, White noticed they could take advantage of how Black had positioned his pawns. He then traded the white bishop for the black knight to create a good knight vs. bad bishop situation:
Another example of a common positional pattern occurs in the Sicilian Defense. In many situations, Black can trade a rook for a knight to dismantle White's position. Below, you can see GM Daniel Naroditsky talking about this thematic sacrifice:
Conclusion
You now know what chess patterns are, how they can help you to play better, and more. Go to our Puzzles page to practice recognizing chess patterns and win more games. You can even go to select customized puzzle themes to practice specific types of patterns!
