Introduction to the Art of Chess Prophylaxis
Prophylaxis in chess means that the player is trying to improve his game which will help him in all areas of chess whether it is the opening, middle game, or end game. It is a trick that helps to make your plans and also prevents your opponent from improving his position.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional player you must be such a genius that you can predict the game plan of your opponent player and then play according to it. In short, we can say that Chess Prophylaxis includes such movements that are used to prevent your opponent player from taking any sort of action. This trick is as important as attacking the opponent.
Prophylaxis in Opening of Chess
In one of the theoretically complex chess openings that is Najdorf; many chess beginners are confused by 5…a6. Although this movement neither attacks any white nor develops any black. This is an example of the Prophylaxis movement.
Mostly this style of opening has different purposes as by this opening, black will try to expand towards queenside and b7-b5 pawn thrust happens due to a5….a6. So, we can say that the Trick of Chess Prophylaxis does not happen alone but it also involves all the areas of the game.
Prophylaxis Chess Trick in Middle Game
Just like the opening of the game, prophylaxis is also applicable in the middle game. Players must have critical observation of pieces of chess and analyze that what is the next plan or movement of the opponent player. If you have analyzed the game plan of the opponent, you are now able to execute your plan to prevent the opponent from his position improvement. This is the art of Chess Prophylaxis.
Prophylaxis in End Game
As compared to the opening or middle game, a trick of prophylaxis is most crucial in the end game. At the end of the chess game, players have very limited plans or options that lead to either the victory of one player or a game draw.
Benefits of Prophylaxis in Chess
- It helps to anticipate the opponent player’s plans and then counter those by applying their strategies.
- By identifying the problems and threats from another player, you can make and stabilize your strong position to gain more advantages of winning the game.
- This trick is highly effective for playing chess at higher levels because players can easily recognize the weakness of their opponent player.
How to Develop Creative Thinking of Prophylaxis Trick?
The initial step of prophylaxis is to analyze the threats from your opponent. But this is not so smooth. You must have a deep understanding of opponent pieces, positions, and plans of opponents. The Mastery in Chess Prophylaxis revolves around the concept that how early you can determine the goals and moves of the opponent and then fastly execute the best plans in response to those plans.
Techniques of Prophylaxis
Once you have identified the threats from your opponent, there are several techniques and moves to counter those plans which are the following;
- Strengthen the Positions of Your Pieces
By protecting and strengthening your pieces and key squares, you can maintain a strong position that will make trouble for your opponent to create threats for you.
- Restrict the Movement of Pieces
The best way to prevent the execution of your opponent’s plans is to place your pieces in such positions that will stop the movements of the opponent.
- Decrease the Chances of Being Attacked
By developing strong positions and trading less valuable pieces, you can maintain balance in the game and also reduce the chances of threats.
Prophylactic Movement Examples in Chess
- Anatoly Karpov Prophylactic Approach
Famous Chess Grandmaster Anatoly was famous due to his unique prophylactics styles of chess. He was an expert in restricting the opponent’s movements, slowly improving his positions and ultimately winning the game.
- Hedgehog Prophylactic System
In this tactic, black develops a strong pawn structure that is very difficult to break for white. Through this movement, black prevents the white from executing any strong plan or movement and waiting for the perfect moment for a counterattack.
How to Improve Prophylactic Thinking?
There are several tips to improve prophylactics thinking which are the following;
- To develop a strong prophylactic technique, you must study the games of Chess Grandmasters and learn from them.
- Imply your techniques in your games and just analyze how their application affects the outcome of the game.
- Develop a deep knowledge of opening tactics and analyze the threats.
- Chess is a game of practice. So, practice your analyzing skills during the game and sharpen your expertise in determining the opponent’s positions.
By strengthening the thinking of Chess Prophylaxis and then implementing it into your games, you can increase the chances of your victory.