ROYAL ROOKS of YORK, PA

Chess Theory Evaluation

Developed by: Scholastic Chess Coach Michael Koplitz

Revision 1: 12/10/2014

Please complete the following evaluation to determine your knowledge of chess theory. Do not
use books, the internet, or other persons.
Your name: _________________________________________________________

THE ELEMENTS
Please define the following elements and concepts.
Complete development _________________________________________________________
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Controlling the center __________________________________________________________
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Gaining space ________________________________________________________________
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Mobility _____________________________________________________________________
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Retaining Material _____________________________________________________________
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Achieving a tempi _____________________________________________________________

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Maintaining a tempi ____________________________________________________________
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Developing a coordinated position for the middlegame and orchestrating a coordinated general
advance in the endgame
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Holding the center _____________________________________________________________
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Playing on open files ___________________________________________________________
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Playing on the 7th and 8th ranks ___________________________________________________
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Developing passed pawns ______________________________________________________

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Exchange to keep the tempo and develop strong pawn chains __________________________

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What is the prime element of the middle game? ______________________________________
What has to exist for a winning endgame position? ___________________________________
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Center pawns:
Opened-center__________________________________________________________
Closed-center __________________________________________________________
Mobile-center ___________________________________________________________
Fixed-center ____________________________________________________________

THE OPENING GAME AND RAPID DEVELOPMENT

What is the primary objective of the opening? ________________________________________
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A successfully executed rapid harmonious development establishes:______________________
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What functions do the pieces play in the initial battle for the center? ______________________
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What is the general rule about castling? ____________________________________________
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Should winning a pawn be done in the center? If not why? Is there anytime it is a good idea?
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What is the definition of harmonious pieces? ________________________________________
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What are strong points? ________________________________________________________
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What is overprotection? ________________________________________________________
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POSITIONAL ASSESSMENT, STRATEGY AND TACTICS
What are the mechanics of assessing a position:
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What are candidate moves? _____________________________________________________
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What is the Blumenfeld rule? ____________________________________________________
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What questions should you focus on in the thought-process barrier? __________________

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MIDDLEGAME AND POSITIONAL ENHANCEMENT
What are the primary objectives for the middle game? _________________________________
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What does it mean to have harmonious pieces? ______________________________________
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Why is the center important to watch when a flank attack occurs? ________________________
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How do you calculate the unique power of each piece? ________________________________
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What is the objectives of the middlegame? __________________________________________

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What is positional play? _________________________________________________________
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What is tactical play? ___________________________________________________________
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How do you exploit a material advantage? __________________________________________
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How do you exploit a space advantage? ____________________________________________
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What is chess strategy? ________________________________________________________
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What is counterattack or counter play? _____________________________________________
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THE ENDGAME
How does a piece gain power? ___________________________________________________
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What are the key elements to an endgame? _________________________________________
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What are the two qualities necessary to master the endgame?
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Define in the endgame:
Centralization ___________________________________________________________
Shelter ________________________________________________________________
Bridge building __________________________________________________________
Hole-stopping ___________________________________________________________
Mobility ________________________________________________________________
What are rolling pawns? ________________________________________________________
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What is the role of the rooks in the endgame? _______________________________________
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What is the role of the knight in the endgame? ______________________________________

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What is the role of the bishop in the endgame? ______________________________________
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