Classical school

The Classical school of chess is a historical way of thinking about strategy that took shape in the late nineteenth century, especially around Wilhelm Steinitz. Instead of assuming that a direct attack should begin as early as possible, Steinitz helped establish the idea that a position should be judged by its actual features before choosing whether to attack, defend, or improve the pieces.

A central idea is to accumulate advantages that can last. These may include a healthier pawn structure, meaning an arrangement of pawns with fewer lasting weaknesses; pieces placed on more useful squares; greater freedom of movement; or enemy weaknesses that can be attacked repeatedly. An advantage does not have to produce immediate checkmate to matter.

Classical thinking also placed great value on the center, the central squares from which pieces can influence many parts of the board, and often favored occupying or supporting it with pawns. The later Hypermodern school challenged the need to occupy the center so early, but not the importance of the center itself.

As a historical label, the Classical school is easiest to understand in contrast with the Romantic school. It was not an organization with one fixed rulebook, and strong players associated with classical ideas did not all play in the same style.