My search algorithms move

**Identify Weaknesses> > > > 1.1. The Scanner Method

1.1.1. In chess, we often face the question: how to avoid blundering pieces and pawns? While many solutions exist, each has its disadvantages. The method I’ve created is both logical and consistent, and it can be learned by anyone, regardless of their level of understanding of the game.

1.1.2. The method focuses on identifying critical points on the board that deserve particular attention. In chess terminology, we usually refer to such points as weaknesses. The term “weakness” can be defined in numerous ways, and it can refer either to weak squares or to material weaknesses—pieces and pawns. My method deals exclusively with the latter. I define weakness strictly in mathematical terms.

1.2. How to Assess a Position to Spot All Its Weaknesses?

1.2.1. We examine the board using what I call the “scanner method”: from the a-file to the h-file, and from the 1st rank to the 8th rank. The weaknesses are presented in exactly the same order.
1.3. Weakness

1.3.1. A piece or pawn is considered a weakness if it’s attacked as many times or more than it’s defended.

1.3.2. Additional conditions:

1.3.2.1. The king cannot be captured, so we must treat his weakness differently. Sometimes, the king’s weakness determines the outcome of the game.

1.3.2.2. A piece stuck in an absolute pin (i.e., pinned to the king and unable to make a legal move) doesn’t count as an attacker or defender.

1.3.2.3. So, a piece or pawn is considered a weakness if it’s:
– neither attacked nor defended
Attack: 0 /Defense: 0
– attacked once and defended once
Attack: 1 /Defense: 1
– attacked twice and defended twice
Attack: 2 /Defense: 2
And so on, and so forth...

1.3.2.4. Other configurations:
Attack: 1 /Defense: 0
Attack: 2 /Defense: 1
Attack: 3 /Defense: 2
These configurations carry a risk of losing the piece, so I’ve marked them in italics.
Why is it important to pay attention to pieces or pawns that are attacked as many times as they are defended?
Because with each move, the piece can be attacked again. And once it’s attacked more times than it’s defended, it can be captured.
That’s why every new attack increases the risk of losing the piece.
Capturing can result in:

1. Material loss—if the piece we give up is more valuable than the one we take
2. An exchange of pieces—if the piece we give up is of equal value to the one we take
3. Material gain—if the piece we give up is less valuable than the one we take

1.4. The Value of the Pieces

1.4.1. There are several ways to assign value to the pieces. The two most common systems are as follows:

1.> > > > 2.> > > > – pawn-1 – pawn-1
– bishop-3 – bishop-3
– knight-3 – knight-3
– rook-4.5 – rook-5
– queen-9 – queen-9

1.4.2. I personally prefer the first system, in which the queen is worth the same as two rooks or three minor pieces, because I find it more balanced. However, the differences aren’t very significant, and material value alone is rarely decisive. A proper evaluation of the position also depends on various positional factors.

**The Order of Considering Moves> > > > 2.1. We consider moves in an order that reflects how likely they are to help us find the best solution. Sometimes, a check can initiate a forcing sequence that ends in checkmate. By examining checks first, we’re more likely to notice such checkmates. The most powerful pieces usually pose the biggest threats, so we start by considering their moves first.

When capturing, our goal is to gain the biggest material advantage possible, so going after the most valuable pieces makes perfect sense. Sometimes, a specific type of move isn’t available, or doesn’t produce the expected result. At other times, a line might be too complex to calculate—in such cases, we move on to the next candidate move. We stop considering moves as soon as we find a satisfactory solution, unless we have plenty of time and a gut feeling that a better one might exist. In general, it’s good to remember: “better is the enemy of good.”

2.2. We consider moves in the following order:
a) checks with capture
b) checks
c) captures
d) attacking moves
e) other moves
Other moves often involve various strategic ideas, which I covered in my book Chess Master’s Strategy. An expanded version of that book—written together with GM Bartłomiej Macieja—is called Chess Strategy Explained.

2.3. When several captures are available, we consider them based on the value of the captured piece—starting with the most valuable.

2.3.a. If one piece can capture multiple enemy pieces of equal value, we first consider the capture that creates the biggest threats.

2.4. If more than one piece can capture, for example, the enemy queen, we consider the moves based on the value of the attacking pieces—from highest to lowest.

2.5. When several options within the same move category are available, we consider them based on the value of the pieces making the moves—again, starting with the most valuable.

Borkowski Franciszek
Sapis Witalis
Hradec Kralove, 1987

I. Weaknesses:
A poorly placed king.
b2, d6
II. Order:
a)1...Rxb2+ 2.Qxb2 loses the rook
b)1...Qc2+
III. Solution:
1...Qc2+ 2.Kf3 Bb7+ 3.Kg4 Qe2+ 4.Kh3 Qh5#
We deliver checkmate.
Decoy
Sapis Witalis
Piątkowski
Sopot, 1979

I. Weaknesses:
Qb6, Bf6, f7
II. Order:
a)1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 loses the queen
1.Qxg7+ Bxg7 loses the queen
1.Bxf7+
III. Solution:
1.Bxf7+ Rxf7 2.Qh7+ Kf8 3.Qh8+ Ke7 4.Nd5+ Kd7 5.Qxc8#
We deliver checkmate.
Deflection, Clearance (of a square)
Kholmov Ratmir
Sapis Witalis
Legnica, 1994

I. Weaknesses:
a2, Rb7, Qc2, c4, f3, h2
II. Order:
a)1...Nxf3+
III. Solution:
1...Nf3+ 2.gxf3 Rd2 3.Rb8+ Kg7 4.Qc3+ Kh6 5.Bg2 Qg5 6.Qxd2 Qxd2
We win the queen.
Removing the Defender

Excerpt from the book "Playing Technique"