AboutLen Molden Expertise Questions about specific chess openings and advice about which opening repertoire is suited to a particular style. For example, the Sicilian Defense is suited to aggressive players, while the Caro Kann Defense appeals to defensive players.
Experience
Past/Present clients I've been playing in chess tournaments in the United States and Canada since 1972. I've won many tournaments in both countries and I'm ranked as a Canadian Expert. I've also written articles for chess magazines and one of my best victories ever is featured here:
Question Hi. I am a part-time novelist who is hoping to use a chess strategy as a plot point.
I was wondering if there are any opening / closing / game long strategies that involve the preserving as much of your line of pawns as possible (the main character is trying to demonstrate via a chess game that one can operate as a successful leader while still trying to preserve human life as valuable in itself, rather than as a means to an end)
Thanks!
John McNichol
Answer Hi John,
It's good to see that you'll be using chess strategy for your plot as not enough books or movies have done this. One good book which you should reference, is called "Squares of the City":
There are some opening variations which involve holding back pawn moves for a while and keeping the pawn structure somewhat intact, but ultimately, some pawns (if not most) will have to be moved.
Check this out for my recommendation how you may be able to successfully pursue this concept for your book:
