Strong Outpost Station:
Part of the Advanced Beginner's Chess Guide (Section 1)
Strong Outpost Station
- Point Count Chess: Strong Outpost Station [+];
An Outpost Station is usually a square between the 4th and 6th Ranks (under the Descriptive Notation system), which, under the Algebraic Notation system, is either Ranks 4 to 6 for White's army (Diagram 1a), or Ranks 3 to 5 for Black's (Diagram 1b).
Diagram 1a: White's Outpost Zone
Diagram 1b: Black's Outpost Zone
The Outpost is guarded, typically, by a Pawn (although it can be another Piece), which enables a Piece (e.g. Knight) to sit on the Outpost, in relative safety. Note that the guard doesn't need to be in the Outpost Zone for it to aid the Knight on a square in the Outpost Zone (Diagram 2).
Diagram 2: Pawn as Outpost Guard
While any of the Pieces could be placed onto the Outpost square, for now, think of an Outpost as a Knight defended by a Pawn (Diagram 3).
Diagram 3: Classic Outpost Station
Remember the "Keep It Simple!" rule of thumb when try to learn something (which applies equally to teaching) ...
Keep It Simple! ... Yes, a Rook or Bishop could be Outposted there (d5, in this example), but those are usually toward the end of the middle game or in the endgame (often after exchanges and simplification of the position), not in the opening or early to mid middlegame.
Moving On: What does a Strong Outpost Station look like? (Page 2).
← Back to the Chess Glossary (Outpost Station)
← Back to the Chess Glossary (Strong Outpost Station)
