A space advantage is control of more squares than the opponent, usually because your pawns stand further up the board. Your pieces have more room behind them.
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With more room you can move pieces from one wing to the other quickly, while the cramped side's pieces get in each other's way. The cramped side usually wants to trade pieces or break with a pawn to free itself.
How to do it
- 1Advance pawns to take squares, but keep them defended.
- 2Avoid trades: every exchange gives the cramped side more room.
- 3Use the extra room to switch your pieces to the wing where the opponent is weaker.
For your level
When you have more space, avoid trading pieces. The cramped side wants trades, so do not help.
Common mistakes
- Pushing pawns so far that they need defending and become targets.
- Trading pieces because the trade looked equal, which gives the cramped side room.
Questions
- How do I play against a space advantage?
- Trade pieces and look for a pawn break that attacks the advanced pawns. Fewer pieces need less room.