Chess Tip Of The Day

At master level (approximately 2360 elo) and above, a pawn deficit is generally decisive. From there down to 1800 elo a pawn deficit on its own need not be disastrous, unless the inferior side cannot avoid a simple losing endgame. Below that level, a two-pawn deficit (or a piece for a pawn or two) can often be overcome. David LeMoir, How To Be Lucky In Chess

If possible, keep things simple. A win is a win, however you obtain it, and nobody likes a showoff! Chris Ward, Starting Out: Rook Endgames

Endings and combinations are far more important than openings for fast progress. Gene Salomon, Chess magazine

If your opponent ends up with an isolated pawn, make sure you control the square directly in front of it. Aside from stopping the pawn in its tracks, the square will turn our to be an excellent home (support point) for one of your pieces. Jeremy Silman, The Reassess Your Chess Workbook

The command of an open file by a rook, or by both rooks, represents a great advantage, particularly if the file is the only one open, and the opponent cannot reply by occupying it with a rook. Siegbert Tarrasch, The Game Of Chess

In the opening and in the middlegame, the loss of a rook for a minor piece and one pawn is usually less serious than the loss of a pawn. Cecil Purdy, On The Endgame