p.4"It may be said that the occupation of a centre square by placing a piece upon it is not always
necessary: it is at times sufficient merely to control it, thereby preventing its occupation by a hostile unit. Actual occupation
is only of value if it is more or less permanent."
p.9-10"Chess is not played move by move, but in well-considered series of moves, which should meet
all requirements, namely, freedom for the player, constraint for the adversary; proper timing of each individual move; use
of the maximum power of each piece at all times."
p.11"The power of any piece depends on its speed, or, in other words, its power to control or threaten
a certain space in a certain time. The greater the space and the shorter the time, the greater the speed of the piece, and
consequently its power.
Force, as applied to chessmen, is therefore expressed in terms of time and space. Could there
be a more eloquent demonstration of the logical consistency which forms the basis of chess?"
p.12"As we have said, the real difference between the pieces lies in their respective speeds : and
we find in chess a curious state of affairs which is peculiar to that game. If a piece attacks another, it is not the weaker
but the stronger one which has to give way."
p.29, 34"The game of chess comprises three elements: force, time and space, and advantages in one
or more of these decide the fate of the game... For the moment let it suffice to draw the amateur's attention to the fact
that the elements under discussion are not merely abstract and theoretical conceptions, but are in fact the very basis of
chess, and that knowledge of them should be of great assistance in the conduct of a game."
p.42"A threat is, at all events, the surest means of maintaining, if not of increasing, any advantage
we may have... There are innumerable possible threats... In the first place there are the direct threats by which the enemy
is attacked at once, and then the distant or deferred threats, the effect of which becomes manifest only after a series of
moves."
p.47"It is impossible to enumerate all possible threats, from the simple to the complicated, from
the ruthless capture of a Queen to the subtle occupation of a square or the contest for the centre. They all aim at one and
the same object, the reduction of the opponent's freedom of action; they serve to restrict his pieces, to create weaknesses
in his position, and to prevent him from occupying strong squares and open lines, while allowing us to do so ourselves to
our own advantage."
p.61"In judging a position as a whole, it is necessary to realise whether there is a point of attack
which is decisive for the whole game: should there be one, then is the time to concentrate the whole of the forces, leaving
all unimportant points bare of troops. The alternative, play over the whole board, necessitates a judicious distribution of
forces and leads to a game both more difficult and more complicated. The first-mentioned type of position leads to rapid combinatory
play, the second is typical of positional play with its numerous and slow manoeuvers. When the ultimate aim of the game, namely,
the mate, is within sight, then the utmost boldness is warranted."
p.61-62"In the foregoing chapters we have seen all the fundamental ideas on which the elaboration
of a plan can be based. There are two points which must, however, be borne in mind. It must not be thought that a plan will
occur to us fully worked out in all its details at a given moment...Step by step... it takes shape in our mind, at first in
vague outlines, gaining gradually in definition and character... It must then suffice to evolve an idea, without realising
quite how to carry it out, or even where it will lead... Secondly, let it not be imagined that one single plan is all
that will be required in the course of a whole game... usually more or less clear-cut plans follow one after another... the
average plan hardly ever brings about an immediately decisive result."
p.63"it is impossible to play a satisfactory game without following a strategic plan, which sooner
or later will have to be evolved."
p.66"It is impossible to foresee all the future moves in a game of chess; be satisfied if you can
conceive a more or less extended series of moves which represent a logical plan; it will be a great step forward from the
disconnected manner of the average amateur's play"
p.67"we have seen that the complete analysis of a position followed by a synthesis of it as a whole,
reveals to us its character and enables us to find the main idea underlying it. Accordingly our plan takes shape; we realise
not only in which direction we must act, and at which objects we must aim, but also at what speed these objects have to be
achieved.
The main thing is to see clearly the essence of the position, so as not to waste time and
effort in attaining unimportant objects... Having a very precise notion of what we wish to do, we must ask ourselves how the
opponent could interfere or prevent the execution of our plan."
p.95"It would be unwise to put too much trust in advantages in one or more elements and to concentrate
on their increase. What is of real moment to us is the advantage in the position as a whole. This, however, can be ascertained
only by an analysis of all the elements."
p.99"it is always important to realise clearly the exigencies [exigencies: Urgent
requirements; pressing needs.] of the three elements [force, time, space], for on these our conduct of the game very
frequently depends. If we fail to realise in which particular element we have an advantage, we may have the most brilliant
ideas, but they must of necessity be aimless, and we shall be unable to select the proper method of carrying them out."
p.103"It is, of course, not essential that each threat should be direct and immediate: they may
be distant threats, perhaps merely indicated by the moves as future contingencies."
p.104"Where an advantage in space exists, it means that the opponent's movements are restricted;
his pieces lack space in which to radiate their full power. It is therefore unnecessary to threaten the adversary; it is sufficient
to prevent his pieces from coming out from their narrow space by controlling the squares in front of his position."
p.111"The lay-out of our own and of enemy pieces must be carefully examined and compared: this will
usually indicate the character and venue of the action which is to be undertaken. We can thus ascertain whether we have immediate
or future attacking chances, and whether or no an attack may lead to mate. This is a question of the greatest importance"
p.133"how can White increase his advantage [in the game being discussed]? The fact that the said
advantage is one of space provides the answer. White must not look for threats; rather must he seek to restrict his opponent
more and more and, in the end, force his pieces more or less into a position of stalemate."
