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What is a "Closed Game"?

A Closed Game is a position where the central pawns are locked together (blocked). Because there are no open lines for Rooks or Bishops, players must maneuver slowly, reposition pieces, and use pawn breaks to create paths.

1. The Classic Example: King's Indian Defense

The most famous closed game is the King's Indian Defense (Mar del Plata Variation). Look at the center (e4/d4 vs d6/e5). The pawns are touching and blocked.

Fig 1: A Locked Center. White attacks Queenside (Green), Black attacks Kingside (Red).

  • Knights are Kings: In closed positions, Knights are better than Bishops because they can jump over the locked pawn walls.
  • Flank Attacks: Since the center is blocked, you must attack on the sides (Wings).

2. Pawn Structure Skeletons (X-Ray Vision)

Sometimes the pieces confuse the eye. Here are the "Skeletons" of closed gamesβ€”just the pawns. Notice how they fit together like puzzle pieces.

1. The French Chain

The d4-e5 chain creates a "Wedge." White has space on the Kingside; Black counters on the Queenside (c5).

2. The Stonewall

A solid formation (f5-e6-d5-c6). It is incredibly hard to break through, but leaves a hole on e5.