Terms Starting with C

The ability to accurately predict moves several turns ahead and foresee changes in the position. Used to calculate piece movements and exchanges to achieve favorable positions. Unlike mere intuition or strategy, it is the process of considering and evaluating specific sequences move by move

A term coined by Soviet GM Alexander Kotov in his book "Think Like a Grandmaster," referring to multiple possible moves to consider. It describes the process of analyzing a position to select several candidate moves, deeply examining each one, calculating several moves ahead, and choosing the apparently best move

A collective term referring to all chess pieces on the board. Often used to refer to multiple pieces as a group rather than individual pieces

A tactic involving moving a piece to make use of the piece or square behind it. Used to set up checkmates or powerful tactics. Often involves a sacrifice

Pawns on a file where opposing pawns face each other and cannot advance. These contribute to creating a closed position

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 sequence of moves combined to win material or achieve checkmate. Not just a single move, but a planned flow of multiple moves connected to corner the opponent

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

A state where two pieces mutually support and coordinate with each other. Commonly used for connected rooks or connected pawns. One-way defensive relationships are Protection (Defense), which differs from Connection

A move that continues the flow related to the previous move. A move that continues the flow based on a certain plan, attack, defense, or policy

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 position requiring precise calculation. In such positions, there may be only one winning line or just one move to avoid checkmate. Missing a critical moment can reverse the evaluation or turn a winning position into a draw