Ask Coach Jessica: What to Do in a Closed Position

So ChessKid "BlahBlah" (his real username!) is stuck in a closed position and trying to figure out what to do. Has this ever happened to you? Let's see if we can help out this ChessKid in need!

I've got two fool-proof solutions for you, and two examples by 4th World Champion Alexander Alekhine. By, Mrs Jessica E Prescott (aka BoundingOwl).

Let's first discuss what "closed" means.

A closed position is opposite from an open one. Both are determined based on where the pawns are, and I'm talking about mainly the center pawns.

Remember CDC? All the action takes place in the center! If pawns are blocked off by other pawns, it's closed. If pawns have been traded, it's open.

One idea is that to create some "play" (activity) you should try to open a closed position.

Which pieces are favored by open positions? Your long-range pieces: bishops, rooks, and queens. That's three out of six of your pieces! Closed positions tend to be better for knights because they can hop around static pawns.

Here's Alekhine as Black. Black can't really develop all his pieces. The knight on f6 would immediately be captured. His pawns are in the way of his light-squared bishop, and putting a knight on c6 right away will be too constricting. When you're feeling cramped like this, the best idea is to open up the position.

How do you open a closed position?

With a pawn trade!

As the game progressed, the pawns remained mostly closed. Watch how Black solves his "problematic" closed position. Pawn in the way? Sac it!

Why did White resign? Let's try giving White a move. How about Rd1?

Another idea is to simply play on the flanks! Here's Alekhine again.

Awesome!

See the threat after 21...Qxg7?

So there you go, when you're trying to find a plan, either trade (or sac) a pawn to open up lines for your pieces, or just play on the sides of the board and sneak in behind the pawns!!

---