Types of Players

        As soon as a player gets behind a chess board; whether it is online or in real life, you unconsciously have a playing style. Every person does however, some don't like to admit it...

       There are 4 main types of playing styles and probably over 10 sub-playing styles (but we won't get into that).

       The first is Active Player. A balanced player who plays an even amount of offense and defense. Neither their defense or offense is spectacular but could "hold down the fort" if they must as well as properly find weaknesses in opponents' defenses... Most players (I find) play this way. The weakness is, opportunities are sometimes lost because of wrong times to play defensively or offensively. Even for NM's IM's or sometimes (but rarely) GM's may lose track of players who are too defensive or too aggressive and may be overwhelmed by intense pressure.

      The second player is an Aggressive Player. Aggressive players always attack, don't leave opponents many chances to counter-attack due to a constant attack and prefer a quicker game than most. They will usually "force" their way to win the game in the opening or middle-game. The weakness of this is, the defence is usually vulnerable because all their pieces have been moved up to the center to the other side of the board. This allows a defensive player to counter-attack and probably win the game assuming their defense is strong enough against an aggressive player. This is probably the second-most used play-style since it's reckless and risky. Many poor players will play this way because of their ignorance to the game. Example, the famous: 1. e4 2. Bc4 3. Qh5(f3) and then 4. Qxf7#

        The third style was previously mentioned in both styles written about. If you guessed Defensive Player, you're right! Defensive players are known for their defensive prowess, their slow-paced game and their counter-attacks. These types of players may not know how (or prefer) to initially start an attack so they begin defensive and stay defensive until they notice a weakness in their opponents' position and attack like how a cheetah waits to attack a gazelle. This style is used by the minority or players, however it can still be effective against players because they are the most cautious players and rarely blunder.

       Finally, the last play style is a Passive Player. This player would rather position themselves than begin attacking or defending. It's a mix of aggressive and defensive players. They are slow-paced players who play actively as soon as they feel they're comfortable with their position. Their weakness is playing too positional and missing the opportunity to properly attack and defend when they arise. Except, many masters play this way because they position themselves and are careful but to the point where they will find an attack and stick with it and become an active player once they're ready. They always play at their own pace and no one else's.

I hope this has made you more interested in the game and curious to find out your play-style! Good luck and good chess!

Did you make these 4 types yourself ( and the 10 subs) ?

Yes, RomyGer. I did. I'm not saying there are 10 sub-play styles; there are over 10 due to the mixes the four main play styles! You can have a mix of different play styles. For example, being active with a tendency to be a little aggressive. Therefore, you are an active-aggressive player.

The magician is kind of important too with perfect counterplay and able to get out of any situation, or most at least. Tactical player plays for the better end game position (if I remember correctly, someone please correct me if I am wrong there).

I am an aggressor, I like openings such as the scandanavian defense and king's gambit. If I see a fork, skew, or pin I almost always take it, and if I can afford an exchange, I'll make it or force it. :P

Yes, Lubuntu. You seem like the aggressive-type of player. I won't make any criticisms about this game but as far as I can tell, you play aggressively.

So... if you're mostly passive, with a tendency to be a little agrressive, then you're a passive-agressive player?

Yes, macer75 , exactly... or vice-versa.

I see. I like passive-aggressive more than aggressive-passive.

Have you figured out your play-style, macer75 ?

Once you do, you may find strengths in your game and weaknesses so that you may improve eventually !

I think I tend to be passive-aggressive.

Or so other people tell me.

Well, let's break it down for you !

If passive players position themselves before actively playing and aggressive players rush and force their way to win, then do you play aggressively instead of active and tend to lose sight of your defense after you've readied your position to the way you like ?

It's kind of a contradiction to be passive-aggressive, but if that's you, based on the explanation then all you need to do is focus on your defense and not be quick to judge a move before you move it and you should be fine !

No please, criticize the game, constructive criticism improves gameplay.

any forum explaining types of trolls??

I'm in no position to criticize, seeing that I'm not a very good player, but you do a good job attacking weaker positions. You seem to notice them fairly well and go after them in order to win.

However, you leave your defenses too open for your opponent to counter-attack (which is a major weakness for Aggressive-type players) when your opponent did Qxg2 blundering a pawn. Also, you did do a better job than your opponent at controlling squares and controlling the center, except it wasn't much better.

Like you say, you capture pieces instantly, which might be ok, but limits your attack and might give you draws instead of wins. Once you control the center, you have more opportunities to find inaccuracies in your opponent's game so that you can have advantages and win more often !

"i beleive in good moves".

I don't understand, madvilain... Are you quoting someone, being sarcastic, or just stating something ?

in the words of the great bobby fischer. a good player can play all styles meeting the positions needs. this is what everyone should strive for in chess.

I was going debate whether there is a player who plays all the styles, but I avoided it to make it less confusing for people. But you're entirely correct. People should strive to be able to play all styles in chess!

I can make one if you'd like for there to be one.

Also, even though this is just a technicality, it's "thread," not "forum."

There is also a fifth type of player called the Good Player. He is trying to play the best moves possible, whether they are defensive or aggressive or whatever.