What is Overprotection in chess?
Defending a key piece or square with more defenders than it needs, to prevent any tactics.
Overprotection is a concept championed by Aaron Nimzowitsch. Defending an important pawn or outpost with two or three pieces - even when one defender would be enough - ensures the position remains rock solid.
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Analyze my games →More chess terms
- OppositionA king-and-pawn endgame technique of facing kings with one square between them.
- ZugzwangA position where any move you make worsens your position.
- FortressA defensive setup where the weaker side builds an impenetrable wall to force a draw despite being down material.
- Lucena positionThe key winning setup in rook-and-pawn vs rook endgames, solved by 'building a bridge.'
- Philidor positionThe key drawing defense in rook-and-pawn vs rook endgames.
- Key squaresSpecific squares that, once reached by the attacking king, guarantee a pawn promotes.