Chess Tactics: Sacrificing Pieces

Like any battle engaged by two armies there comes a time when one party has to make necessary sacrifices in order to attain the goal. The same is true in this game if you play chess to win. When we talk about sacrifices in the game of chess we are referring to a specific tactic that any player can employ.

Of course, like any other chess tactic, making a sacrifice will be executed to attain a certain goal. The goal when sacrificing any piece on the board is either to gain a tactical advantage or to get a better position or sometimes both. Players would usually consider a sacrifice to be worth it if you are exchanging a lower value piece for a higher value opposing piece, though that isn't always possible. There'll also be times when you are forced to make a sacrifice, which is an unpleasant thing and would ruin your strategy to a degree.

All your chess pieces, which include your Pawns, can be sacrificed with the sole exception of the King. When a sacrifice of a piece is not expected or comes at an unexpected moment in the game, you'll be forced to use a chunk of your time to gauge if the sacrifice is worth it or not. This hurts your game plan even more if the sacrifice will involve a Queen or two or more pieces.

But deliberate sacrifices will come in handy for any player. This is the type of sacrifice that will bring in some direct results during the game. Possible outcomes from such sacrifices will include a checkmate, avoiding a huge loss of material, gain material you lost, simplification of the current situation on the board, gain tempo, further development, and gaining a better position.

Sacrifices work for both the attacking player and the defending player. Gambits are openings that sacrifice material early in the game to get the said results. On the other hand the defending player can opt for a counter gambit and achieve the same outcome. Both players can use sacrifices to distract the other player and gain a better position or to weaken the opponent's position on the chess board.

If a losing defender during the end game makes suicide sacrifices, this means that that player is trying to get rid of all potent pieces in the hope of attaining a draw. One last note would be to take your time thinking about sacrificing a piece. Sacrifices should be a well thought out tactics when you play chess to win.