Positional sacrifices
In short
A positional sacrifice gives material for lasting advantages that cannot be calculated to a concrete win: control of key squares, a dominant minor piece, a ruined enemy structure. The classic example is the exchange sacrifice, rook for a minor piece.
By the end you can
- Assess long-term compensation
- Use exchange sacrifices for structure and activity
The lesson
A positional sacrifice gives material for lasting advantages that cannot be calculated to a concrete win: control of key squares, a dominant minor piece, a ruined enemy structure. The classic example is the exchange sacrifice, rook for a minor piece.
Evaluate compensation by asking how long it lasts and whether the opponent can return the material to break it. Lasting compensation is worth more than a short-lived initiative.
Key points to remember
- Material for lasting assets
- Exchange sacrifices for squares and structure
- How long does the compensation last?
Examples
Show the solution
30. Bxg7 Qxg7 31. Rg5 Qxg5 32. Qxg5+
Practise it
Solve puzzles on this idea: sacrifice puzzles.
Homework
Study two exchange-sacrifice games by Petrosian in the master database.
More strategy lessons
- Reading a position: the imbalances (Class D)
- Good and bad pieces (Class D)
- Outposts and open files (Class D)
- The isolated queen’s pawn (IQP) (Class C)
- Carlsbad structure and the minority attack (Class C)
- Hanging pawns and pawn breaks (Class C)