Originally posted by obliterationThis is a pretty good question. We give values to the pieces based on how many pawns they are worth, but what is the value of a pawn? Well, without getting into a long speech about it, Philidor said that pawns are "the soul of chess". It should be obvious that the center pawns are the most importtant ones, while the flank pawns are the least important. But that doesn't mean you should just toss away your flank pawns for no reason.
What is the true value of pawns in the start game. I always end up losing far too many pawns during my games, focusing more on development to get ahead of my opponent. Perhaps not always the best tactic particularly when facing many different styles of player.
The role the pawns play in the opening is to stake out space for your pieces to develop behind. By the time the middlegame has arrived, the pawns have pretty much defined the nature of the position; whether it's open or closed, which bishops are good, which are bad, etc. A loss of a pawn or two won't be felt here. But it will be felt in the endgame, where pawns become nearly as important as pieces. So before you decide to sacrifice a pawn, ask yourself what you are getting in return for the pawn and whether it is enough compensation.
Originally posted by Natural ScienceAh, go on. Get into a long speech. You know you want to...
[b]This is a pretty good question. We give values to the pieces based on how many pawns they are worth, but what is the value of a pawn? Well, without getting into a long speech about it, Philidor said that pawns are "the soul of chess".
Originally posted by CaptainDangerousYeah, you know, I just realized, I had said "without getting into a long speech" and then what did I do? I got into a long speech! Well ok, I'll shut up now. Before this turns into a long speech about me not wanting to get into long speeches.
Ah, go on. Get into a long speech. You know you want to...
Originally posted by Natural ScienceI was serious actually - that doesn't count as a long speech...! not quite...
Yeah, you know, I just realized, I had said "without getting into a long speech" and then what did I do? I got into a long speech! Well ok, I'll shut up now. Before this turns into a long speech about me not wanting to get into long speeches.
You were on the verge of waxing lyrical about outposts and everything, but I felt you were holding back just a tad...
Originally posted by CaptainDangerousMan, you're right! I completely forgot to ht upon weak squares and outposts, and open files, and hanging pawns, etc. I must be slipping.
I was serious actually - that doesn't count as a long speech...! not quite...
You were on the verge of waxing lyrical about outposts and everything, but I felt you were holding back just a tad...
If you're measuring the valiue in pieces using pawns as a unit then, a pawn is worth a pawn... How long iis a centimetre (assuming you're not using English units)?
You should try not to lose pawns though- a lot of master games revolve around the mutual attempt to win (and, on the other side, to save) a pawn. One pawn is often enough to win- one pawn and some other substantial advantage almost always is with (hah! 🙂 ) best play.
