Opening Module: critical squares

For the opening training it is written that in d4-d5 openings, the e4-square is critical.
It's called "critical" because it cannot be defended by the d-pawn anymore.
But doesn't that make for black he square e5 critical as well? Or is black only preventing white's e4-move, but not attempting to play it's equivalent ...e5-move?

Cheers!

It's reciprocal.

1. d4 takes control of e5 and relinquishes control of e4.
1. ...d5 takes control of e4 and relinquishes control of e5.

Black's play in the Semi-Slav is very much rotating around defending e5 and preventing it's occupation by a white piece or pawn, and getting in e5 sometimes where appropriate. I think the same can be said for White and e4, no?

If only I were a GM...

Many openings have a similar pattern, grabbing a firm control of, say, the dark squares of the centre, while allowing the opponent to control the light squares of the centre.

If only I were a GM...

I'd be happy with any title, but it will never happen as I don't play any FIDE rated games.

Valmont wrote:For the opening training it is written that in d4-d5 openings, the e4-square is critical.
It's called "critical" because it cannot be defended by the d-pawn anymore.
But doesn't that make for black he square e5 critical as well? Or is black only preventing white's e4-move, but not attempting to play it's equivalent ...e5-move?

Cheers!

I've always been puzzled by the use of the term "critical squares" when dealing with the openings. The term is well understood in endgames, but not for the openings.

It is true that for the closed and semi-closed games black takes measures to prevent white establishing the classical center, but not in all cases. I think those measures are what the course introduction is trying to bring attention to.

In response to your e5 question... I don't know, it depends on black's choice of defense.

PawnCustodian wrote:

Valmont wrote:For the opening training it is written that in d4-d5 openings, the e4-square is critical.
It's called "critical" because it cannot be defended by the d-pawn anymore.
But doesn't that make for black he square e5 critical as well? Or is black only preventing white's e4-move, but not attempting to play it's equivalent ...e5-move?

Cheers!

I've always been puzzled by the use of the term "critical squares" when dealing with the openings. The term is well understood in endgames, but not for the openings.

It is true that for the closed and semi-closed games black takes measures to prevent white establishing the classical center, but not in all cases. I think those measures are what the course introduction is trying to bring attention to.

In response to your e5 question... I don't know, it depends on black's choice of defense.

This makes a lot of sense. Thanks!

BorgQueen wrote:Many openings have a similar pattern, grabbing a firm control of, say, the dark squares of the centre, while allowing the opponent to control the light squares of the centre.

If only I were a GM...

I'd be happy with any title, but it will never happen as I don't play any FIDE rated games.

Same here!

I'm only posting this reply to see if 400 posts promotes me from IM to GM on the site - it's the only way I will ever get to see the title!

PawnCustodian wrote:

BorgQueen wrote:Many openings have a similar pattern, grabbing a firm control of, say, the dark squares of the centre, while allowing the opponent to control the light squares of the centre.

If only I were a GM...

I'd be happy with any title, but it will never happen as I don't play any FIDE rated games.

Same here!

I'm only posting this reply to see if 400 posts promotes me from IM to GM on the site - it's the only way I will ever get to see the title!

Nope. What's a guy gotta  do the get promoted here?

I think... 99 more posts.

I need 344 more to become a super GM

BorgQueen wrote:I need 344 more to become a super GM

I'm rooting for you!

But would't it be faster to take a couple of years off and just travel to FIDE rated tournaments ?

What FIDE tournaments? There are none thanks to COVID

You can gain an online Arena GM/IM/FM/CM title for games played on the FIDE server. You must play bullet, rapid, and blitz and meet the online ratings and number of games to gain the title.

Their news page says they are free, but I haven't looked into it.

They have a listing of tournaments on their calendar...

Why am I only hearing about this now?!

Thanks, I'll look into that.

Looking at this page, it seems to indicate that (a) it costs 50 euro a year and the titles only apply

"for the following National Chess Federations:

ITALY, PUERTO RICO, MEXICO, BRAZIL, COLOMBIA, ECUADOR, CANADA"

Confusing. That's a really limited list. I'll keep looking as I find time.

Correction. I read that page wrong. Those limitations were for NATIONAL titles, not FIDE titles.