9 Brilliant Good Chess Plays to Elevate Your Game in 2026

Have you noticed how chess has taken the world by storm in 2026? From online blitz matches to global tournaments, everyone seems to be chasing that next big win.

If you’re keen to boost your skills and outplay your rivals, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 9 brilliant good chess plays that every player—whether you’re just starting or already climbing the ranks—should have in their toolkit.

Get ready to discover practical strategies, clever moves, and timeless tips. These good chess plays can help you level up your game and start winning with confidence.

Why Mastering Good Chess Plays Matters in 2026

The chess world in 2026 looks nothing like it did just a decade ago. With AI-driven analysis, live game streaming, and a flood of new tools, strategies have evolved rapidly. Players now have access to databases with millions of games and can study grandmaster tactics from their phones. This means the bar for what counts as good chess plays keeps rising, and if you want to keep up, it’s more important than ever to master the essentials and keep sharpening your skills.

Let’s talk about the competitive scene. Online tournaments are everywhere, and participation is booming. Platforms like Chess.com and Lichess have seen record numbers of active users, with FIDE reporting a significant jump in rated players worldwide. According to the FIDE World Chess Rankings, more players are climbing the ratings ladder than ever before. Mastering good chess plays is what separates the casual player from someone who can actually make a mark in these global competitions.

If you look at the top grandmasters, they’ll tell you that their success comes from a deep understanding of good chess plays. You’ll often hear about games where a single tactical sequence—like a double attack or a well-timed sacrifice—turned the tide. Data from recent tournaments shows that players who consistently use advanced tactics have higher win percentages and climb the rankings much faster. It’s not just about memorising openings; it’s about knowing how and when to apply these skills under real pressure.

But here’s the catch—many players get stuck using outdated tactics. Chess is a living game, and what worked yesterday might be easily countered today. If you’re still relying on the same old tricks, you’ll find yourself outmanoeuvred by opponents who’ve invested time in learning new patterns and moves. Recognising when your favourite strategies no longer work and being open to change is a huge part of growth.

Continuous learning is the secret sauce. The best players don’t just rest on their laurels; they’re always looking for new ways to improve their good chess plays. Whether it’s analysing your own games, following live streams, or joining online clubs, the resources available today make it easier than ever to adapt. Keeping up with the latest trends and practising regularly will not only boost your confidence but also give you an edge in every match you play.

9 Brilliant Good Chess Plays to Elevate Your Game

Ready to level up your game with some seriously good chess plays? Whether you’re a casual player or chasing tournament glory, these nine tactics and strategies are the backbone of winning in 2026. We’ll break down what they are, why they work, and how you can start using them right away, no matter your skill level.

1. The Power of the Double Attack

Let’s kick things off with one of the most exciting good chess plays: the double attack. This tactic is all about threatening two pieces at once, forcing your opponent into a tough choice. Usually, the knight is the star here, but other pieces can pull it off too.

Imagine you’ve got your knight in the perfect spot. You jump it to a square where it’s attacking the king and a rook at the same time. That’s a classic fork, and it’s a textbook example of a double attack. Suddenly, your rival can’t save both pieces, and you scoop up free material.

You’ll see double attacks pop up in all sorts of board positions, especially when the opponent’s pieces are bunched up or not well protected. Blitz games in 2025 and 2026 have featured some jaw-dropping double attacks, often turning the tide in seconds.

Here’s a tip: always keep an eye out for loose pieces and overloaded defenders. Practicing double attacks with weighted chess pieces for practice can help you spot these chances faster in real games. And remember, while you’re hunting for double attacks, make sure you’re not leaving yourself open to one!

2. Mastering the Pin

Another staple of good chess plays is the pin. A pin happens when you use a long-range piece, like a bishop or rook, to freeze an enemy piece in place. There are two types: absolute (the pinned piece can’t move at all) and relative (moving it would cause big trouble).

Picture this: your bishop lines up with your opponent’s knight, which is sitting in front of their queen. Move the bishop into position, and suddenly that knight can’t budge without exposing the queen to capture. That’s the power of a pin in action.

Pins can be set up during the opening, middlegame, or even the endgame. They’re incredibly useful for immobilising defenders and creating attacking chances. In fact, recent data shows that games where players pull off effective pins often swing heavily in their favour, sometimes by more than 60 percent.

Want to get better at pins? Watch how grandmasters set up and break pins in their games. They’re experts at both squeezing the most out of a pin and wiggling free when they’re caught. And if you’re looking to make these good chess plays part of your arsenal, try setting up pins in your practice games, focusing on both sides of the tactic.

3. Exploiting the Discovered Attack

Discovered attacks are the secret sauce behind many good chess plays. This tactic involves moving one piece out of the way to reveal a hidden threat from another. When done right, it’s like pulling back a curtain to unleash a surprise attack.

A famous example is sliding a pawn or knight away to uncover a bishop or rook that suddenly attacks a key target. Some of the best games from the 2025 and 2026 tournament circuit feature jaw-dropping discovered attacks that leave even seasoned pros stunned.

Setting up a discovered attack takes planning. Look for situations where your pieces are lined up and the opponent’s king, queen, or rook is in the firing line. Move your front piece with tempo, ideally threatening something else, so your rival is caught off guard.

AI engines these days are brilliant at spotting discovered attacks during analysis. You can train this skill by reviewing high-level games and trying to spot the setups before the computer does. Avoid giving away your plan by making your intentions too obvious, and you’ll be landing these good chess plays in no time.

4. The Art of Zugzwang

Zugzwang is one of those good chess plays that can feel a bit like magic. It’s a German word meaning “compulsion to move,” and it happens when every possible move makes your opponent’s position worse. Talk about psychological pressure!

You’ll most often see zugzwang in endgames, especially pawn battles or king-and-pawn races. Imagine a position where your rival must move, but any choice hands you the win. It’s a powerful way to squeeze out a victory from a seemingly equal game.

Top players in 2026 are experts at creating zugzwang positions by limiting their opponent’s options and waiting for the right moment. The trick is to leave your opponent with no good moves while keeping your own pieces flexible.

Watch for these situations and practice recognising them. If you can spot zugzwang opportunities, you’ll add a whole new dimension to your set of good chess plays. It’s all about patience and timing, so don’t rush—let your opponent walk into the trap.

5. Executing the Back Rank Mate

The back rank mate is a classic that never goes out of style among good chess plays. It happens when your opponent’s king is trapped behind its own pawns on the back row, and a rook or queen swoops in for the checkmate.

Online blitz games in 2026 are full of back rank mates, especially when players get low on time and overlook simple defenses. It’s a quick way to end a game if your rival isn’t paying attention to their king’s safety.

To set up a back rank mate, look for situations where the opponent’s pawns haven’t moved in front of their king, and their escape squares are blocked. At the same time, always check your own back rank for weaknesses—nothing’s worse than getting caught by your own trick.

Statistically, back rank mates are more common in rapid and blitz games, but they can happen at any level. Add this to your collection of good chess plays, and you’ll score some satisfying wins, especially in fast-paced environments.

6. Sacrifice for Initiative

Sometimes, the best good chess plays involve giving up material to seize the initiative. A well-timed sacrifice can throw your opponent off balance, open up lines, or create unstoppable threats.

Think about the queen or knight sacrifices you’ve seen in grandmaster games over the last couple of years. They’re not just flashy—they’re calculated risks, taken when the attacking player sees a path to a big advantage.

Knowing when to sacrifice takes practice. Weigh the potential gain: will you get a deadly attack or control of the board? Or are you just giving away a piece for nothing? The psychological side of sacrificing is huge—it puts pressure on your rival and can force mistakes.

Of course, not every sacrifice works out. Sometimes, a hopeful piece giveaway backfires and you end up down material for no compensation. That’s why these good chess plays require clear calculation and a bit of courage. Try them in friendly games first before busting them out in tournaments.

7. Controlling the Centre

Ask any top player, and they’ll tell you: controlling the centre is still one of the most important good chess plays in 2026. The central squares (e4, d4, e5, d5) are the heart of the board, letting your pieces move freely and launch attacks.

Strong centre play starts in the opening. Classic pawn structures like e4/e5 and d4/d5 are the foundation of many high-level games. By grabbing space in the middle, you make it tough for your opponent to develop their pieces or mount counterattacks.

Modern trends include hypermodern openings, where you control the centre from a distance with pieces instead of pawns. This adds tension and can lead to dynamic, sharp positions.

Transitioning from the opening to the middlegame, keep your eye on central control. It’s a key ingredient in good chess plays that lead to long-term success. Practice different opening setups and see which style suits you best.

8. King Safety and Castling Timing

If you want to pull off good chess plays, you’ve got to keep your king safe. That’s where castling comes in. But when’s the right time to castle? Too early, and you might walk into an attack. Too late, and your king could get stuck in the centre.

In elite play, statistics show a variety of castling patterns, with players often delaying castling to keep their plans flexible. Sometimes, holding off can pay off—other times, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Look at recent games where castling (or not castling) made all the difference. Players who balance development and king safety tend to come out on top. Before you castle, ask yourself: is my king really safer on the side, or do I need to prepare more first?

Mastering this balance is one of those good chess plays that separates casual players from the pros. Make it a habit to think about king safety every move, not just in the opening.

9. Endgame Mastery: Opposition and Key Squares

The last on our list of good chess plays is endgame mastery, especially understanding opposition and key squares in pawn endings. These concepts pop up all the time when only a few pieces are left on the board.

Opposition is all about controlling the space between kings. If you have it, you can force your rival’s king to give ground and help your pawns promote. Key squares are the magic spots that, if reached by your king, guarantee you can win or draw.

Recent endgame studies show that players who know these ideas win more often and make fewer blunders. In tournaments, simple endgame mistakes can cost you big time.

To get better at these good chess plays, set up endgame puzzles or review classic studies. Focus on recognising key patterns so you can apply them under pressure. Consistent practice will turn you into an endgame ace.

Analysing Your Own Games for Improvement

Ever wondered how grandmasters keep getting better or why your tactics sometimes miss the mark? Analysing your own games is one of the fastest ways to level up your understanding of good chess plays. It’s like having a personal coach who highlights what worked, what didn’t, and where you can sharpen your edge.

Step-by-Step Guide to Analysing Your Games

Start by replaying your games move by move, ideally soon after finishing. Use online tools like Chess.com, Lichess, or Stockfish to spot inaccuracies and missed tactics. For a hands-on experience, a chess computer for game analysis can help you break down your moves and see where you could have played better good chess plays.

Annotate your thoughts as you review. Ask yourself: “Why did I choose this move? What was my plan?” This habit uncovers blind spots and helps you understand the reasoning behind both your successes and slip-ups.

Identifying Patterns and Setting Goals

As you review, look for recurring mistakes. Are you blundering pieces in the middlegame, or missing checkmate chances? List these patterns. Maybe you’re getting caught in common traps or forgetting to use good chess plays like double attacks or pins.

Set specific improvement goals. For example, “I’ll spend ten minutes a day practising knight forks” or “I’ll review endgames after each match.” Tracking these goals ensures your practice is targeted and effective.

Turning Analysis into Progress

Don’t just focus on your losses. Analysing your wins is just as important for reinforcing strong habits. Share your annotated games with friends, coaches, or online communities for extra feedback. Many find that integrating AI analysis or feedback from a digital chess computer brings new insights into their good chess plays.

The more consistently you analyse, the more you’ll notice your rating climb. Make it a routine, and soon you’ll spot tactics and strategies before your opponents even see them coming.

Leveraging Modern Chess Resources and Communities

Looking to level up your good chess plays in 2026? You’re in luck, because there’s never been a better time to tap into modern chess resources and vibrant communities. Whether you’re new to the game or aiming for tournament glory, the online world is packed with tools and mates ready to help you grow.

Top Online Platforms for Good Chess Plays

If you want to sharpen your good chess plays, start by exploring the best online platforms. Sites like Chess.com and Lichess offer everything from casual games to elite-level tournaments. For those keen to study how the pros do it, the Introducing the Masters Database provides access to over 9.8 million grandmaster games. Analysing these matches is a goldmine for discovering smart strategies and new tactics.

Joining Clubs and Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of community. Local chess clubs and online groups let you connect with players of all skill levels, swap stories, and get feedback on your good chess plays. Many clubs run regular tournaments, training nights, and even themed events where you can try out moves you’ve just learned. Online, you’ll find forums and Discord servers buzzing with discussion, advice, and friendly banter.

Interactive Learning: Videos, Puzzles, and Streams

Learning’s never boring with today’s interactive resources. Video lessons break down good chess plays into bite-sized tips, while daily puzzles keep your tactical skills sharp. Live streams from top players let you see their thought process in real time. If you want to practise at home, consider kits like the Online chess starter box set, perfect for testing strategies away from the screen.

Staying Current: Social Media and Forums

Chess is always evolving, and the best way to keep up is by following social media and forums. Platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook groups are full of players sharing insights, posting about the latest good chess plays, and debating new trends. Ask questions, share your own games, or join in on the latest meme – it all helps you stay connected and inspired.

In short, combining the right resources with an active community is the secret sauce for improving your good chess plays. Dive in, get involved, and you’ll find that the journey is just as rewarding as the checkmates you’ll score.