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When to Trade

A trade is an exchange of pieces of similar value. Trade when the trade helps your position, not just because a trade is possible.

A winning trade

White queen is on e5 and Black rook is on e6. White captures the rook and wins 5 points, so the trade is good for White.

FEN: 4k3/8/4r3/4Q3/8/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . r . . . 6
5 . . . . Q . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . K . . . 1
  a b c d e f g h

An equal trade

White rook is on e5 and Black rook is on e6. White captures the rook and Black has no piece ready to recapture, so the trade is equal in points.

FEN: 4k3/8/4r3/4R3/8/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . r . . . 6
5 . . . . R . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . K . . . 1
  a b c d e f g h

A bad trade

White knight is on d4 and Black pawn is on e6. White captures the pawn and gives a 3 point piece for a 1 point pawn, so the trade is bad for White.

FEN: 4k3/8/4p3/8/3N4/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . p . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . N . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . K . . . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • Trade when you win material. A trade that leaves you ahead in points is a good trade.
  • Trade when you are ahead in material. Fewer pieces make a material lead easier to turn into a win.
  • Avoid a trade when your piece is better placed than the enemy piece it would trade for.
  • Avoid a trade when the trade helps the enemy king reach safety or opens a line for the enemy.
  • Ask what the board looks like after the trade. The position after the trade is what matters.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White queen can capture an undefended Black rook. Should White trade?