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Prophylaxis Part 1

The document discusses the concept of prophylaxis in chess, introduced by Nimzowitsch, which involves taking precautionary measures to neutralize the opponent's plans. It distinguishes between inner and outer prophylaxis and emphasizes the importance of understanding both players' options to enhance strategic play. Dvoretsky's approach to prophylactic thinking is highlighted, stressing the need to consider the opponent's threats after each move to improve overall chess performance.

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Aniket Das
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29 views1 page

Prophylaxis Part 1

The document discusses the concept of prophylaxis in chess, introduced by Nimzowitsch, which involves taking precautionary measures to neutralize the opponent's plans. It distinguishes between inner and outer prophylaxis and emphasizes the importance of understanding both players' options to enhance strategic play. Dvoretsky's approach to prophylactic thinking is highlighted, stressing the need to consider the opponent's threats after each move to improve overall chess performance.

Uploaded by

Aniket Das
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Prophylaxis

(Part 1)
 The Theoretical Concept
Nimzowitsch introduced the concept of prophylaxis.
According to his words, "taking precautionary measures to render positional harmful
options harmless."
In principle, he distinguished between two forms of prophylaxis: the inner and the outer.
Outer prophylaxis means stopping the ideas and plans of the opponent, especially so-
called freeing moves. Inner prophylaxis means overprotecting important points, for
example, the base of a pawn chain.
Among the modem authors who have dealt with prophylaxis, Dvoretsky stands out. He not
only found good examples for prophylactic play, but also formed a model of thought for
employing the principle of prophylaxis in a practical game - the so-called "prophylactic
thinking."
He recommends that you should ask yourself, after every move, what the opponent is
threatening or planning, especially what he would play if it were his move.
Dvoretsky stresses explicitly that this method is not a pure chess phenomenon. The
psychological aspects must be taken into consideration as well: "It is in the nature of
mankind that he thinks mostly about his own plans, Ideas and feeling.” It is indeed helpful
to ask yourself during the games : "What is my opponent planning?" Only in this way is it
possible to make sure, that we give the opponents plans the same priority as ours."

 How to Train Prophylactic Thinking?


Why should a chess player try to master the concept of prophylaxis? Chess is a game
between two players. Both have the same options and rights. So an optimal plan always
has to take the options-of-the-opponent into account and put one's own aims forward.
Prophylactic thinking is relevant in almost all positions. If you have already achieved a large
advantage, it is important for its realization to give the opponent no more counterplay than
absolutely necessary. Otherwise the opponent must be beaten twice or three times in every
game. In tactical positions, it is also very important to deal with your opponent's options. If
this concept is applied carefully, then the number of tactical oversights can be reduced
considerably. The defense of difficult positions is often based on preventing an opponent's
plans and ideas. This is of course much easier if you see them before they appear on the
board. As the attacker, you should search for defensive setup of opponent early and not
when they use your attack for good.
So progress in understanding prophylaxis is progress in all areas of chess. But the very
broad field of prophylaxis also introduces problems for both trainer and student. Successful
prophylaxis can only be applied if the type of the position at hand and the plans of both
sides are fully understood. For example, the side with the pair of bishops should be aware
that one main plan of the opponent is to halve the pair. With certain pawn structures, it is
important to know which pieces should be exchanged and which should remain on the
board to use, e.g., an outpost.

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