middle game
After opening moves
The middle game is the phase of a chess match between the opening and the endgame, when most pieces remain on the board and strategic maneuvering intensifies.
By extension, middle game describes any intermediate stage of a competition or conflict: We're past the opening moves but nowhere near the endgame—this is the middle game.
Pointed metal fastener
- forkTined eating tool
- skewerPointed cooking rod
- double checkVerify a second time
- deflectionChange in trajectory
decoy · overloading · undermining · sacrifice · combination · interference · clearance · calculation
Progress toward maturity
- initiativeSelf-directed action capacity
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
- centralizationUnifying control in one place
mobility · outpost · minor pieces · prophylaxis · flank attack · counterplay · tempo · overprotection
Ongoing contest between opponents
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
- matchGame between opponents
- championshipCompetition for top rank
- opponentsThose who compete against
standings · momentum · turning point · comeback · pressure · adaptation · decisive moment · attrition
pin
Pointed metal fastener
- forkTined eating tool
- skewerPointed cooking rod
- double checkVerify a second time
deflection · decoy · overloading · undermining · sacrifice · combination · interference · clearance · calculation · variation
development
Progress toward maturity
- initiativeSelf-directed action capacity
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
centralization · mobility · outpost · minor pieces · prophylaxis · flank attack · counterplay · tempo · overprotection · exchange
rivalry
Ongoing contest between opponents
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
- matchGame between opponents
- championshipCompetition for top rank
opponents · standings · momentum · turning point · comeback · pressure · adaptation · decisive moment · attrition · endurance
- Shogilance, rook, pawn, knight, bishop
- backgammonbackgammon board, backgammon set, dice, bear off, blot
middle gameendgame
Concluding phase of competition
opening · end game · finale · opening moves · final position
middle gameopening
Gap or start
finale · ending · beginning · conclusion · commencement