A position where the pawn structure is fixed and the board is closed. Pawn breaks and piece maneuvering (repositioning) become important, requiring different strategies than in open positions

A state where control over squares of a particular color becomes weak. This can occur after exchanging bishops or due to pawn structure that weakens specific colored squares

A state of having strategic or tactical advantages to offset material disadvantages like piece deficits. Compensation can include open lines, attacks on the king, development lead, space advantage, strong pawns, or destruction of enemy pawn structure

Creating counterattacks or countermeasures in a different area against the opponent's attack or plan. Play that attempts to regain the initiative by creating threats that force the opponent to consider, even when at a disadvantage

A double-edged battle, an aggressive game with risks for both sides. Refers to tense positions where either player could seize the initiative, but neither has a clear advantage

Piece adjustment or repositioning. Multiple moves to place pieces in optimal positions without immediate attacks. Moves that gradually improve piece positions to organize the position rather than direct attacks. The goal is long-term positional improvement rather than short-term tactics

A strategy using your minority pawns to attack the opponent's pawn majority, creating weaknesses (especially backward pawns). Commonly appears in structures like the Queen's Gambit Declined or Caro-Kann

The act of building piece formations or creating positions. Refers to optimizing piece placement and positioning across the entire board

A square where your piece can be stably placed without being attacked by enemy pawns. Particularly when located in the center or enemy territory, it becomes a strategically powerful stronghold. "A knight needs an outpost" (Steinitz)

The harmony of pieces. A state where multiple pieces work together and support each other

A playing style that builds advantageous positions based on piece placement and long-term plans. Play that emphasizes overall piece harmony, pawn structure, and square control rather than individual piece moves

Not just defense, but moves that anticipate and prevent what the opponent wants to do. A key element of positional play and one of the advanced techniques frequently used by top players

A positional move that prevents the opponent's plans beforehand (e.g., prophylaxis)

Refers to long-term game planning (strategy). Planning the entire game including pawn structure, king safety, piece placement, and control of open files. Means playing with a broader perspective than tactics

A neutral move that simply passes the turn to the opponent without changing the situation. Usually played to do nothing while forcing the opponent to make decisions or mistakes