strategy · recognise → explain → apply

Weak squares: a target needs a route

Distinguish a hole on the map from a square that a piece can actually use.

Explanation styleChoose any style. Age is not playing strength; no birth date is needed.

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Notes and replay positions are saved. Practice games are temporary; export their PGN to keep them.

Choose an example

Hermanis Mattison – Aron Nimzowitsch

Karlsbad · 1929.??.?? · 0-1

15. Rfd1 · Black to move

Jump to move

What to notice at 15. Rfd1

Follow ...Na5 and ...Nc4. The exchange on b5 removes White's doubled c-pawns but does not provide a pawn that can challenge a knight on c4.

A legally replayed historical example, not a claim that every move is best. A game’s result does not prove every defensive position was lost or drawn.

Game source ↗

Your thinking first

Name the signal, choose a plan, and test the opponent’s most challenging response.

What do you notice?What is your plan, and why?How could the opponent resist?

Recall and explain

1. Is every square that cannot be attacked by a pawn important?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

2. What should be checked after a pawn advances?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

3. What can the defender do without repairing the pawn map?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

Make it memorable

Square, route, job.

Teach this to a friend in one minute. Then return to a different example and look for the same signal without being told its name.

Reflect and revisit

This is your self-assessment, not an engine grade or a promise of mastery.

Connect the ideas

Sources and further reading

Original LumaChess teaching and game analysis. Topic references are credited below; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Exeter Chess Club: Weak squares ↗

strategy · recognise → explain → apply

Weak squares: a target needs a route

Distinguish a hole on the map from a square that a piece can actually use.

Explanation styleChoose any style. Age is not playing strength; no birth date is needed.

Loading progress…

Notes and replay positions are saved. Practice games are temporary; export their PGN to keep them.

Choose an example

Hermanis Mattison – Aron Nimzowitsch

Karlsbad · 1929.??.?? · 0-1

15. Rfd1 · Black to move

Jump to move

What to notice at 15. Rfd1

Follow ...Na5 and ...Nc4. The exchange on b5 removes White's doubled c-pawns but does not provide a pawn that can challenge a knight on c4.

A legally replayed historical example, not a claim that every move is best. A game’s result does not prove every defensive position was lost or drawn.

Game source ↗

Your thinking first

Name the signal, choose a plan, and test the opponent’s most challenging response.

What do you notice?What is your plan, and why?How could the opponent resist?

Recall and explain

1. Is every square that cannot be attacked by a pawn important?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

2. What should be checked after a pawn advances?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

3. What can the defender do without repairing the pawn map?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

Make it memorable

Square, route, job.

Teach this to a friend in one minute. Then return to a different example and look for the same signal without being told its name.

Reflect and revisit

This is your self-assessment, not an engine grade or a promise of mastery.

Connect the ideas

Sources and further reading

Original LumaChess teaching and game analysis. Topic references are credited below; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Exeter Chess Club: Weak squares ↗