Players at club level will often describe themselves and others as either 'positional' or 'attacking', depending on the way they like to play. To be honest I think that this is rather too simplistic to provide particularly useful information, for example a way that they might try to improve. In my experience the choice between these two descriptions depends largely on innate tactical ability, those who have it will often try to use it at every opportunity by creating direct threats, those without it may avoid positions in which tactics can erupt.
Amongst International Masters and Grandmasters the question of style becomes more subtle and depends on many variables. One of the most important is an appetite for risk, will someone decide to keep their position safe or will they take a chance in incalculable complications? Most top players will play the same move in a given position regardless of their supposed style, occasionally they will make different choices after considering a more or less risky option.
Is it easy to know our own style of play? Not especially because there can be a distinct lack of objectivity, so it's often a good idea to listen to trusted advisors. I've been described as an 'active positional player', which I now think is a fair assessment. At one time I fancied myself as an attacking player along the lines of Leonid Stein, but this was more fantasy than reality and I might have hobbled myself by trying to live up to this impossible dream.
Video Discounts
This week's discount is 40% off Learning from the Greats: Anatoly Karpov using the code 'may8to16'. Anatoly Karpov is widely acknowledged as having been one of the greatest players in history. In this series of videos Nigel examines Karpov's style and strengths, showing what can be learned from him.
Last week's discount was 40% off buying the Black Queen's Gambit Declined Repertoire using the code 'may1to9', and this is still valid until close of play tomorrow. This is an advanced, stand-alone opening course based around the Tartakower Variaton (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nf3 h6 6.Bh4 0-0 7.e3 b6) and the Semi-Tarrasch Defence (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 c5 or 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 c5). It features 14 hours of video which explain key games and has a pgn (portable game notation) file of recommended variations that can be built upon, extended and memorized.
Upcoming Events
This is how things look right now, with the World Senior Team Championships behind me. I've said I'm available for the European Senior Team Championships (August 26 to September 5) but don't know if I'll be selected for any of the teams.
July 7-12: South Wales International, Bridgend, Wales
I've accepted an invitation to this event and look forward to playing!
August 1-9: British Championships, Coventry, UK
I've accepted an invitation to this one (the Championship itself) and look forward to playing.
Tiger Chess Themed Training Tournaments are organized on a weekly basis at Lichess, featuring selected opening variations. You can check out what's coming up here.
Have a good weekend.
Nigel
