Chess is a game inspired by warfare. Even its predecessors were some form of warfare strategy-building games. Sure, chess is normally played in a calm, silent, and reserved environment, but so are the rooms, bunkers, or any other space in which attacking or defending strategies are designed and briefed.
Even though warfare has developed into something completely different from what it used to be in ancient times when chess was first invented, modern chess still has a lot to do with old war strategies.
Wars are made of a sequence of battles, and so is chess. Every move on the board can become a strengthening or weakening position and can cause different reactions. Just like any war, there is a time to defend and a time to attack.
In chess, attacking moves are normally made, through opening gambits, since the first moves. Defensive moves, however, are usually not the first choice of most players..
Castling
One of the most used defensive moves is the castling, in which the king moves two squares, whether to the left or right and the rook ‘jumps’ over it to form a defensive wall.
It is not only a highly efficient move for defense purposes but also gives the rook much more mobility as it assumes a more central position on the board. Additionally, it’s the only moment in chess in which a player can use two pieces in the same move.
Why Is Castling Important In Chess?
The castling is extremely important when your opponent attempts a king gambit in the opening, which is not unusual for skilled players.
Apart from the extra-defensive position the king gets, the fact that the rook gains mobility allows the defending player to use it as a strong counterattacking weapon.
Not every player is self-critic enough to realize a combination of attacking moves has already been neutralized. Whenever that happens, the defending player normally gains a few counterattacking moves that come with the opportunity to gain relevant material.
The castle, however efficient, cannot be done at any time. If either the king or the rook has already moved, the castling is no longer possible, even if they return to their primary position.
Also, the king cannot castle if it’s in check or if the squares to which he will move will put him in check. So, minding the first move of these pieces is key to being able to castle later on.
In Conclusion
So, not only due to its extremely efficient defensive aspect is the castling important but also because of the opportunities it brings along.
With a protected king, other relevant pieces will not have to be sacrificed for the king’s sake, and the freedom of movement gained by the rook brings one more attacking piece to the fold.
Therefore, used wisely, castling can turn a defensive stance into an attacking sequence with a single move. What about you? Would you be wise enough to realize your attacking moves have already been neutralized?