FUNction
Most of the PoPLoAFun seems to be automated to a certain degree. There is one part that must still be done by System 2 though: FUNction. Let's see whether we can change that.
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| White to move. Red circle = point of pressure. |
There are 3 PoPs (points of pressure) here. Considered separately, every PoP is defended well. But by taking out the defenders in the right order, it is possible to let the defense collapse.
- Rd7 takes out the Queen and pawn e5.
- Bb2+ takes out the defender of f8
Viewed in this light, the position becomes fairly straightforward.
This reflects what I noticed during the tournament: tactical combinations are decided by imbalances on the FUNction level. All defense is well organized separately, but by putting stress on it in the right order, a certain defender collapses under the pressure. Due to a double function or a restriction in mobility.
One of the subtleties (hiding in plain sight) is that superfluous pieces (those without any Function for the action(s) being considered, like the WRd1) can be sacrificed willy-nilly with no harmful consequences!! In a weird sense (the only kind I seem to have), it essentially becomes a desperado—not because it is "hanging," but because it is useless where it is located. That's a new insight for me!
ReplyDeleteThat is an important insight! Thx!
DeleteCan you see the contours of a logical framework that encompasses ALL tactical combinations emerging from this post? Well, except for endgame tactics like promotion, zugzwang and the like? And except for traps, although a mate is technically a trap.
ReplyDeleteIt might mean that it is possible to know when there can be no viable tactical combination. Wouldn't that be nice?