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In this series, we have been discussing the elements of games that need as much strategy as full scale wars, business or real. Specifically, we are looking at the game that bears the closest resemblance to battles in my opinion – Chess.
We discussed the importance of Openings and strategic positions in the first part, so it is only fitting we continue with the middle game here. In Chess coverage, tutorials and even in actual amateur games, middle game is not given that much of an importance. While openings have traps and end games have patterns, the middle game is too complex to have either. This is like a battle in full flow – no one can really see patterns – we fight. What is left at the end of this becomes the input for the end game.
Another way of looking at it is that the middle game represents the actual battle – fighting and marshalling skills come to the fore, with discovered threats, combo moves to gain small positions, stealing through the ranks to try and end the game soon etc, this is Chess at its best. While openings and endings can be studied and definite results guaranteed with a set of pre-learnt moves, strategy reigns supreme in the middle game. The talents of an extraordinary swordsman or general take the spotlight here and the strengths and weaknesses of the self and the opponent are brutally exploited.
When the outcome is uncertain and neither party wants to push it, they go for a treaty or in general chess terms, accept a draw. In wars, this happens when both or neither forces have that killer instinct or advantage and want to cut their losses and save their men.
The end game could represent two major scenarios – the fight of two equal forces or when one guy clearly has much greater strength to overpower the other force. In the latter scenario, it is a matter of finishing a good job. You might win battles on the field, but a small sneak attack might capture your king if you aren’t careful. In the former scenario, it is like restructuring and playing the whole game again. It’s like gathering your left over squadrons and assembling them for one final battle…
Each of us have that sport that gets us all worked up, that makes us think like a boss before matches, strategizing and playing out our little action plans in our minds. I talked about Chess because it is closer to my heart. What sport gets you?
