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Here we are discussing some basic strategies that can give you advantage, however microscopic it may be. Of course there is always exception to the rules, but exceptions occur much less frequently than the normal situations, don’t they? These strategies are described from White’s point of view, so what is good for White is bad for Black and vice versa. Pawn structures Pawns are strong when they are in a chain; try to avoid splitting them into isolated groups. Isolated or hanging pawns tend to be a liability, try to avoid at least till the end game. Pawn chain shapes that look like /\ (an inverted V) from your side tend to be stronger than those that look like a \/. Doubled pawns are weak, try to avoid getting them. If … Read entire article »