Anatomy of Chess: Pieces, Phases, and Their Strategic Value

Delving into the "anatomy" of a chess game transcends mere knowledge of piece movement. It involves discerning their intrinsic value and, crucially, how this value transforms according to the phase of the game. This guide explores the flow of the game and the strategic role each combatant plays on the board.

The Value of Pieces: A Perspective Beyond Numbers

Traditionally, a numerical value is attributed to pieces to help beginners evaluate exchanges:

• Pawn: 1 point
• Knight: 3 points
• Bishop: 3 points (sometimes valued at 3.25 for greater range in open positions)
• Rook: 5 points
• Queen: 9 points
• King: Infinite value (its loss is the end of the game)

However, this value is always relative and dynamic. A well-placed piece, controlling crucial squares or actively attacking, can far exceed its base score. For example, a knight anchored in a central outpost, immune to pawns, might outweigh a passive rook.

Factors That Modulate Real Value

• Activity: How many important squares does the piece affect? Is it active?
• Coordination: Does it harmonize with your other pieces?
• Safety: Is the piece well defended, or vulnerable?
• Pawn Structure: Pawn setup can limit or enhance a piece's power (bishops like open diagonals, knights thrive in closed positions).
• Opponent's Pieces: The value of your pieces is linked to what remains on your opponent's side and how they are arranged.

The Phases of the Game: A Continuous Flow

A chess game transitions through three main phases, with gradual and fluid boundaries:

1. Opening

Roughly the first 10–15 moves. The main goals are:

• Control the center: Occupy or influence the center with pawns and pieces.
• Develop minor pieces: Move knights and bishops to active spots.
• Safeguard the King: Usually by castling, giving the king a safe shelter.
• Connect the rooks: Prepare them to cooperate.

Principles of the opening are followed here, and theoretical openings played. Piece value usually aligns with their base number, but speed in development and central control are key.

2. Middlegame

Begins after most pieces are developed and usually after castling. The richest and most complex stage, where strategic plans and tactics flourish.

Characteristics and Objectives:

• Formulate a plan based on strengths and opponent's weaknesses.
• Tactics: Seek combinations, sacrifices, and direct threats (knights and bishops often shine here).
• Improve the position of your pieces: Place them optimally, establish outposts, control more squares.
• Pawn play: Create openings, advance passed pawns, and restrict opposition via structure.
• King attack: If possible, organize a direct assault on the enemy king.

Piece value becomes highly dynamic. Rooks on open files or doubled on the seventh rank can dominate. The queen is powerful in both attack and defense.

3. Endgame

With few pieces remaining, the nature of play shifts dramatically.

Characteristics and Objectives:

• King activation: The king becomes active, often fighting for the center.
• Pawn promotion: Advancing pawns to queen is often the main focus. A single pawn can decide the game.
• Precise calculation: Endgames demand accuracy—one mistake can be fatal.
• Knowledge of theoretical endings: Understanding key endgame positions (basic mates, pawn endings, rook endings) is crucial.

Pawns become more valuable, rooks remain powerful, and the king turns into a protagonist.

Understanding these flows—and how the value and role of each piece evolve throughout—will help you make stronger, more strategic decisions. Each piece, in the grand theater of chess, awaits its moment.