How to conert the space advantage?

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StragaSevera

Feb 25, 2022

I have a strange problem. I'm struggling in the positions where I have a lot of space (For example, Advance French or Tal Caro-Kann with h6). The engine says that I'm doing great, have +1 or even +2, but I really struggle - what to do with my empty squares, how the hell they will help me win =-)

On the other hand, I feel great in positions where I lack space - even when engine says I have a bad positon, I enjoy shuffling pieces around and making the sudden or not-so-sudden breaks. Yes, I know, I am weird =-)

Can you advice me some book or courses on converting the space advantage to something more concrete? I don't need an opening manual about an opening that gives you a good position with space advantage - I need a midgame manual about what to do if I already have one =-))

tygxc

Feb 25, 2022

#1
Space is overrated. It is almost never possible to convert a space advantage into a win. You can convert an advantage in the center by attacking. If you control the center, then you can bring more pieces to attack than your opponent can bring pieces to defend. You should be able to convert an advantage of +1 or +2 to a win. If you post an example then we can tell you how to convert, but it is not possible to answer that in an abstract way.