Defense

Repelling the offensive actions of the opponent.

A player conducting a defense is, to a certain degree, subordinate in their actions to the opponent's designs.

Methods of defense

Defense can be passive or active.

In passive defense, one has to limit oneself to purely defensive measures, creating maximum difficulties for the opponent.

Active defense, besides repelling immediate threats, provides for the preparation and execution of a counterblow at the most vulnerable point in the opponent's position. Counterattack is the most effective method of defense.

In conducting a defense, it is necessary to take into account all available strategic and tactical means: to try to provoke a weakening of the enemy position, to make use of tactical opportunities as they arise, and to remember that every exchange of the opponent's strong attacking piece weakens their pressure. Sometimes the idea of stalemate is used as a method of defense.

In openings

The term defense in chess also has another meaning. Many opening setups are called this way (for example, the Alekhine Defense, the Caro-Kann Defense, the Nimzowitsch Defense, and so on).