Capablanca had a rare ability to make chess look ridiculously simple. No wild complications. No endless calculation. Just one logical move after another until his opponent suddenly had no good moves left.

In this lesson, I break down 13 positional chess rules from the game Capablanca played vs Aron Nimzowitsch. What makes this game especially interesting is the story behind it.

Earlier in the tournament, Nimzowitsch had basically told the young Capablanca to keep quiet because he had not proven himself yet. A few rounds later, they met over the board.

Capablanca’s answer was not emotional or chaotic. He simply played clear, strong positional chess.

You’ll learn how to improve your pieces without creating weaknesses, restrict your opponent’s options and find a plan when there is no obvious tactic. Using the following principles, you’ll make simple moves with a clear purpose and build pressure until your opponent runs out of good moves.

• When surprised in the opening, fall back on common sense: Develop quickly and safely
• Prefer moves that do two jobs at once
• Prefer developing a piece to making an unnecessary pawn move
• Develop pieces to useful squares
• Central Control is a major source of initiative
• If you can restrict an enemy piece, you can effectively play a piece up
• Active play is usually  healthier than passivity
• Eliminate opponent’s pieces on your territory
• Avoid hanging pieces
• No direct attack? Improve your piece
• Keep the initiative. Create little threats
• Judge bishop vs knight by the pawn structure
• Combinations work when the pieces are coordinated against a target

If you want to improve your positional chess and understand how strong players make difficult positions look easy, Capablanca’s rules are a great model to study.

Nimzowitsch vs Capablanca Video Analysis

Below, you can find the complete game between Nimzowitsch and Capablanca shown in the video:

Visit the Chess Hall of Fame to explore other people who shaped chess, including champions and key influencers who advanced the game.

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