4 ms·

it may mean he went from being a more calculating type of player(tactical), which you can win many games with, to being a more positional type of player (strate

by jrs99 13y ago

it may mean he went from being a more calculating type of player(tactical), which you can win many games with, to being a more positional type of player (strategical) which takes a much greater understanding of the game.

kadabra9 13y ago
I'd agree with this. A few top players have stated that Carlsen is extremely difficult to prepare for, because he's capable of playing a wide range of openings, using obscure variations, and adjusting his play/style towards his opponent. If you review his games over time, you'll noticed he's become a much more balanced player, capable of playing both extremely dangerous and tactical positions filled with traps, but also more quiet positions that aren't as sharp, but rich with strategic possibilities. Many players tend to lean towards a specific "style" of play, but Carlsen has a rare gift to be able to adapt a variety of styles depending on his position and opponent.
- notacoward 13y ago
  FWIW, Fischer was also famous for this chameleon-like quality. Maybe it's something to do with reaching that level while still young.
  - ddp26 13y ago
    That's true - however, Fischer did play the same openings religiously. To prepare for Carlsen, you don't have the luxury of knowing what opening you will face.
klapinat0r 13y ago
Would you mind to elaborate on what you mean by playing tactical vs. strategical? (part of my yearly "now I'll get started with Chess again")
- vdhus 13y ago
  tactical: calculating the right moves in complex situations. strategical: positional play. making sure the pieces work well together, choosing the right plan and so on
- logicallee 13y ago
  I'm no expert but here's a mid-game example. strategical: I wonder if I can machinate to end up mostly on white squares by the end-game, then I could let his black bishop take this pawn for free, while I work on getting my pawn structure to become invincible on the other side, effectively nullifying his bishop by the end-game while opening my position for greater pressure. tactical: how can I protect this pawn, together with the rest of my pieces, so that all lines in the next 15 moves have all pieces protected, so that he can't take anything, and defensive enough that he can't force a 'better position' in any of them, while remaining offensive enough to open up for a future attack.
- gokhan 13y ago
  Tactical: Kasparov. Positional / Strategical: Karpov
- kadabra9 13y ago
  Tactics are often associated with winning material through a combination or attack, so you could think of concepts such as trapping an opponents queen or blundering a knight are more tactical in nature. Other ideas, like discovered check, pins, decoys, etc are primarily tactical as well. Many lower level games are decided by tactics simply because players are more apt to fall into traps, not calculate properly, etc. Strategic play is much more subtle, but becomes more important as you get stronger. Strategic play generally involves more long term planning with the goal of creating a lasting advantage for yourself. Some examples of strategic concepts are creating more space for yourself (and at the same time constricting your opponent), having a better pawn structure (e.g your opponents pawns are isolated and vulnerable to attack), having your minor pieces better positioned(e.g your bishops rake open diagonals while your opponent's are trapped behind pawns)
  - prawn 13y ago

by jrs99 13y ago

kadabra9 13y ago

I'd agree with this. A few top players have stated that Carlsen is extremely difficult to prepare for, because he's capable of playing a wide range of openings, using obscure variations, and adjusting his play/style towards his opponent. If you review his games over time, you'll noticed he's become a much more balanced player, capable of playing both extremely dangerous and tactical positions filled with traps, but also more quiet positions that aren't as sharp, but rich with strategic possibilities. Many players tend to lean towards a specific "style" of play, but Carlsen has a rare gift to be able to adapt a variety of styles depending on his position and opponent.

notacoward 13y ago
FWIW, Fischer was also famous for this chameleon-like quality. Maybe it's something to do with reaching that level while still young.
- ddp26 13y ago
  That's true - however, Fischer did play the same openings religiously. To prepare for Carlsen, you don't have the luxury of knowing what opening you will face.

klapinat0r 13y ago

Would you mind to elaborate on what you mean by playing tactical vs. strategical? (part of my yearly "now I'll get started with Chess again")

vdhus 13y ago
tactical: calculating the right moves in complex situations. strategical: positional play. making sure the pieces work well together, choosing the right plan and so on
logicallee 13y ago
I'm no expert but here's a mid-game example. strategical: I wonder if I can machinate to end up mostly on white squares by the end-game, then I could let his black bishop take this pawn for free, while I work on getting my pawn structure to become invincible on the other side, effectively nullifying his bishop by the end-game while opening my position for greater pressure. tactical: how can I protect this pawn, together with the rest of my pieces, so that all lines in the next 15 moves have all pieces protected, so that he can't take anything, and defensive enough that he can't force a 'better position' in any of them, while remaining offensive enough to open up for a future attack.
gokhan 13y ago
Tactical: Kasparov. Positional / Strategical: Karpov
kadabra9 13y ago
Tactics are often associated with winning material through a combination or attack, so you could think of concepts such as trapping an opponents queen or blundering a knight are more tactical in nature. Other ideas, like discovered check, pins, decoys, etc are primarily tactical as well. Many lower level games are decided by tactics simply because players are more apt to fall into traps, not calculate properly, etc. Strategic play is much more subtle, but becomes more important as you get stronger. Strategic play generally involves more long term planning with the goal of creating a lasting advantage for yourself. Some examples of strategic concepts are creating more space for yourself (and at the same time constricting your opponent), having a better pawn structure (e.g your opponents pawns are isolated and vulnerable to attack), having your minor pieces better positioned(e.g your bishops rake open diagonals while your opponent's are trapped behind pawns)
- prawn 13y ago