Controlling a chessboard can seem like a daunting task, especially for a beginner. In order to control the board, you need to control squares. That’s why we like to put rooks on open files, for instance, because from the open files they control more squares. Similarly, bishops control more squares when they are on the longest possible diagonals. Another term for that diagonal is the fianchetto.
If checkmate is the ultimate goal in chess, then why is it so essential to understand the value of the chess pieces? Pieces are the tools we use on the chessboard, and if we have more pieces, and more of our more valuable pieces, then it will be easier to checkmate and control our opponent.
Understanding a draw is the first step to learning how to use it to your advantage. A draw in chess is neither a win nor a loss. In tournament play, it still earns half a point, which can impact the outcome of a chess match. This could come into play if you win in a tournament, and the players behind you can only catch up if you lose.