Active

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1 | 2

Observe "Active" Pieces In A Proper Game

The first two video clips, on this page, feature progressive moves during a mock opening phase.

After each clip, we'll pinpoint the chess pieces that could be considered "Active".

As for the the third video, it's a repropduction of full game, played in 1957 between Georgian GM Bukhuti Gurgenidze and Moscowvite GM Mikhail Tal.

Naturally, the third video will feature many instances of chess pieces in Active situations. Based on what you understand from the first two clips, determine for yourself when both player's pieces take up Active roles.

Clip 1 Examples

Nf3 ... Nc6
Bc4 ... Nf6
O-O ... Be7
Re1

After Move 4, for White, the following pieces could be considered Active ...

White's kNight, on f3, as it's been moved to a position where it attacks Black's e5 Pawn.

White's Bishop, on c4, as it's got its sights on attacking Black's f7 Pawn.

White's Rook, on e1, with an
X-Ray Attack, threatening Black's e4 through White's own e4 Pawn.

Black's kNight, on f6, as it sights an attack against White's e4 Pawn.

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Observe "Active" Pieces In A Proper Game

Clip 2 Examples

... 0-0
Qe2 ... b6
d4 ... Nxd4
Nxd4 ... exd4
Bg5 ... Re8
Nd2 ... Bb4

After Move 9, for Black, the following pieces could be considered to be in an Active role ...

White's Bishop, on g5, as it has a Pin Attack going on, against Black's f6 Knight, which must remain in place, to protect Black's Queen, back on d8.

White's kNight, on d2, could be considered "Actively defending" White's e4 Pawn, from the threats by Black's e8 Rook and f6 Knight.

White's Queen, on e2, could also be considered to be in an Actively-defensive role, protecting White's e4 Pawn - again, from Black's Rook and Knight threats.
White's Queen, on e2, could also be considered Active, with an
X-Ray Attack against Black's e8 Rook, through White's e4 Pawn.

Black's Bishop, on b4, has a
Pin Attack going on, against White's d2 Knight, which must remain, 'pinned' in place, to protect White's e1 Rook, behind.

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Observe "Active" Pieces In A Proper Game

Gurgenidze-Tal, Moscow, 1957
- Observe "Active" Pieces In A Proper Game -

Okay, so, watch this game and, based on what you've seen and read, with the previous two clips, try and determine when either Gurgenidze's or Tal's pieces are in what could be considered an Active role.