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When you are playing a game of chess and you have a big lead, does it affect the way you play?

When you are playing a game of chess and you have a big lead, does it affect the way you play?

  • I tend to ease up when I have a big lead
  • I continue to play hard so I can expand the lead
  • I try to simplify the game and avoid all complications
  • It depends on how strong my opponent is

Created on August 18, 2008 | 1972 Votes | 9 Comments

Comments

  • 4 years ago

    kstmou

    SIMPLIFY! SIMPLIFY! IT'S MY GAME!

  • 7 years ago

    normajeanyates

    1. look for opps counterplay and take prophylactic measures.

    2. Simplify; with the caveats:
    1. if you can increase pressure on opps choose that instead
    2. exchange the 'right' pieces for a win - don't land up in a difficult or drawn endgame! [Don't simplify blindly, in other words]

  • 7 years ago

    Ellbert

    If I should have a big lead, I take pause and look very closely at the Chess board. That "lead" I have, may have come to easy.

  • 7 years ago

    Elubas

    I screw up more big leads than I should. Being ahead is usually alot of pressure! I play even worse when I'm losing. 

  • 7 years ago

    lukeyboy_xx

    i dont often get a big lead so when i do i try and thrash them

  • 7 years ago

    transpositions

    I learned a long time ago through hard lessons in how to lose a won position.  The iron-clad rule is KILL COUNTERPLAY by whatever means possible.

  • 7 years ago

    usethefork

    I never have a big lead...why isn't that an option???

  • 7 years ago

    rich

    I went for the third option.

  • 7 years ago

    wormrose

    The middle two choises are almost the same thing. Simplifying with a material advantage is going to magnify the material advantage. If there is no easy mate and I feel the opponent is going to keep playing, then I try to exchange as many pieces and pawns as possible to make it look hopeless to the opponent. But I've learned to never just "relax and take it easy". You should always be on the look-out that you might get mated or stalemated or some other kind of draw. These circumstances usually only arise against weaker players, but you should never underestimate your opponent. A wounded animal will fight ferociously.

  • 7 years ago

    sstteevveenn

    hmm, I do both the middle 2.  Simplifying is "expanding the lead" usually.  If it's not, then I wont do it.  I would say trading a queen for an opponent's rook to reach a dead won ending counts as both playing hard to expand the lead, and avoiding complications. 

     

    If one move swaps off more pieces, but another is 'better' and maybe wins even more material though, I would generally play the better move.  The exceptions being the 'reaching a known won ending' or also if there was some serious counterplay being generated that I could end by playing the, say '2nd best' move as a perfectionist would see it, but in reality making the win easier.

  • 7 years ago

    sadhumohit

    hahaha..i guess evryone belevs in an easy life

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