I think it’s similar to something Dan Heisman wrote about “AWL - attack with less”. Meaning attack with the least valuable piece. But I’ve never read the opposite, “defend with less”
I think the context must have been different there. Maybe he meant AWL is a category of threat? Attacking with the least valuable piece is not a good general principle to follow.
Never heard this rule, but I realized just now that I've doing this unconsciously for as long as I can remember. I'd guess this would be true for lots of experienced enough players.
I’ll reference this post because it explains the concept so well that I think anyone would understand. Also looking forward to checking out the new course
Capablanca said something very similar. Id have to find the quote. Steinitz had as a cornerstone of his theory economy in defense but I cant recall if he only meant it for defending the king. But likely he meant it in general, I just hate to say so for certain unless I have done the research. Tarrasch might have said it too.
I remember Max Euwe writing something similar in his book on strategy: "In general, it's best to defend a pawn with other pawns, unless there's a reason to do otherwise". It is a special case of your rule.
This reminds me of this memorable (not to be confused with well-played) game from the tournament that got me the NM title. https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/2b9wowWBxA?tab=review. White was a booked up young player, but as soon as I survived to an ending he played the woeful Rd4-d1-a1 plan to defend a pawn and the game totally flipped.
I think it’s similar to something Dan Heisman wrote about “AWL - attack with less”. Meaning attack with the least valuable piece. But I’ve never read the opposite, “defend with less”
I think the context must have been different there. Maybe he meant AWL is a category of threat? Attacking with the least valuable piece is not a good general principle to follow.
For the record… although you have a good point
https://youtu.be/GxQ_3S9JhHQ?feature=shared
Great to see your Semi-Slav course is out! Congrats! (I was hoping to see your other courses on sale too =()
Never heard this rule, but I realized just now that I've doing this unconsciously for as long as I can remember. I'd guess this would be true for lots of experienced enough players.
I’ll reference this post because it explains the concept so well that I think anyone would understand. Also looking forward to checking out the new course
I've always heard "the queen is the worst defender", but your general theory seems to explain that specific case. I'm sold!
Capablanca said something very similar. Id have to find the quote. Steinitz had as a cornerstone of his theory economy in defense but I cant recall if he only meant it for defending the king. But likely he meant it in general, I just hate to say so for certain unless I have done the research. Tarrasch might have said it too.
I’ve heard Danya say stuff like this in his speedrun games, the idea of using the least valuable piece to carry out any given task.
I think I’ve heard this rule specifically with pawns > pieces for defense, but not all the way up the chain. I like it!
I remember Max Euwe writing something similar in his book on strategy: "In general, it's best to defend a pawn with other pawns, unless there's a reason to do otherwise". It is a special case of your rule.
This reminds me of this memorable (not to be confused with well-played) game from the tournament that got me the NM title. https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/2b9wowWBxA?tab=review. White was a booked up young player, but as soon as I survived to an ending he played the woeful Rd4-d1-a1 plan to defend a pawn and the game totally flipped.