Development Part I: Counting

Summary

International Master David from Chess.com discusses the concept of development in chess, explaining how moving pieces from their starting positions enhances their power and effectiveness. He highlights the importance of development in gaining a strategic advantage and the necessity for the opponent to catch up. The lecture also touches on the significance of castling for defenders. David aims to clarify misconceptions about development and guides viewers on how to count and evaluate development in their games. Subscribe to Chess.com for full access to this insightful video and more chess training tools.

Takeaways

• 👤 Development in chess is the process of improving the position of your pieces from their starting positions to increase their power and mobility.
• 🏰 A piece is considered developed when it has moved from its starting square, gaining more mobility and potential for action.
• ♟️ Not all pieces on the starting square are necessarily underdeveloped; some may already be in a position of strength.
• 💪 Having more developed pieces than your opponent can give you more control and power in the game, forcing them to spend time to catch up.
• ⏳ Development can be viewed in terms of time investment, where the opponent must invest time to develop their pieces to match your level.
• 🤔 From a defender's perspective, the ability to castle is a crucial part of development, as it helps to safely move the king away from the center.
• 🏰 Castles are often a priority in chess, especially when under development pressure, as they can significantly influence the game's dynamics.
• 📈 Counting development involves assessing how far ahead or behind you are in terms of piece mobility and positioning compared to your opponent.
• 🗣️ The script addresses a common misconception, clarifying that when people refer to being ahead or behind in development, they are actually discussing the pace of piece mobility and positioning.
• 🎥 The video is a lecture from International Master David on the Chess.com platform, aiming to educate viewers on the concept of development in chess.
• 📚 Chess.com offers a comprehensive learning platform with a full video library, interactive training tools, and resources to improve chess skills.

Q & A

What is the definition of development in chess according to International Master David?

Development in chess is the process of improving a piece's position from its starting position, making it more powerful by moving it to a square where it has more mobility and potential for action.

How is a piece considered developed in chess?

A piece is considered developed when it has moved off its starting square, gaining more mobility and the ability to influence the game more effectively.

What is the strategic significance of having more developed pieces than your opponent?

Having more developed pieces than your opponent gives you more energy or power in the game, potentially forcing your opponent to use time to catch up with your level of development.

Why is castling important from a defensive perspective in chess?

Castling is important for a defender because it evacuates the King from the center, which is a common strategy in most chess games to avoid checks and attacks.

What is the common misconception about development that people often confuse with being ahead or behind in development?

The common misconception is that people often use the term 'development' to describe being ahead or behind in terms of material advantage, rather than the actual mobility and positioning of the pieces.

What does it mean for a piece to be 'powerless' at the start of a chess game?

A piece is considered 'powerless' at the start of a chess game when it has no possible moves or very limited mobility, such as bishops on their starting squares or knights that are blocked by other pieces.

Why is it important to consider the time investment in piece development?

Considering the time investment in piece development is important because it helps you evaluate the pace of the game and the potential for your opponent to catch up or fall behind in terms of board control and piece activity.

What is the relationship between development and the concept of 'energy' in chess?

In chess, 'energy' refers to the activity and potential of your pieces on the board. More developed pieces contribute to higher energy, allowing for more aggressive or dynamic play.

How can a player who is behind in development strategize to catch up?

A player behind in development can strategize by focusing on quick and efficient piece development, while also looking for opportunities to disrupt the opponent's development or exploit weaknesses in their position.

What additional benefits does a membership to Chess.com offer to improve one's chess skills?

A Chess.com membership offers access to a full video library, an advanced interactive training tool called Chess Mentor, the Opening Explorer, Tactics Trainer, and more resources to help players improve their game.

What is the role of the Opening Explorer in a Chess.com membership?

The Opening Explorer is a tool included in a Chess.com membership that helps players explore and study various chess openings, enhancing their understanding and preparation for the initial stages of the game.