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The middlegame in chess refers to the part of a game after the opening struggle, and before the beginning of the endgame. In this phase of the game, both players attempt to strengthen their positions while weakening their opponent's, with a combination of planned attacks aimed at the king and by wittling down the opponent's resources. It's usually a fight over a pawn or a square, perhaps an open file. The line between where the middlegame ends and the endgame begins is difficult to define, as both parts usually blend into each other.

Typical moves that players will employ during the middlegame include forks, pinning, skewers, and discovered attacks. Trades are also common as players exchange their own pieces for their opponent's (usually of equal or better value). An important part of the middlegame is the preparation of one's pieces for the endgame, even if it involves moving a piece where it is not necessarily useful.

At this stage, having a plan is important. A plan is strategy for winning the game. Let's say you've developed, have your pieces ready, the question you ask is assuming your opponent won't fall for any silly mistakes, what are you going to do to win?

You have to analyse your and the opponent's position and calculate what is the best way of action.

SW

Protect your Forces.

Questions[]

  • - Are your pieces positioned to attack the king? Then go for a king's attack.
  • - Does the opponent have a weak backwards pawn or a dodgy pawn structure? Try to pressure these weak points forcing the opponent to react.
  • How To protect your forces while Attacking
  • This is a very difficult decision to make which is why you must spend the most time analysing and deciding your course of action. Look for weak points in your enemy, and look for your own weak points to fix. Try to adapt and create different opportunities. If you have a plan which will attack enemy king while defending yours, all the better!
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