Chess Terms - M

5 terms starting with this letter

Maneuvering

Strategy

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

Mate Threat

Tactics

Similar to "tsumero" in shogi. A situation where checkmate can be delivered on the next move. If ignored, checkmate follows on the next turn

Material

General

A concept representing the overall value or count of pieces. Emphasizes the numerical value of pieces (point system) rather than just pieces themselves. Often used in the context of material advantage or deficit. Includes both pawns and pieces but excludes the king

Miniature Game

General

A game that ends in a short number of moves, typically those finishing within 20 moves are commonly called miniatures

Minority Attack

Strategy

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