“By positional play a master tries to prove and exploit true values, whereas by combinations he seeks to refute false values ... A combination produces an unexpected re-assessment of values.” – Emanuel Lasker If you've played chess for a while, you might have asked yourself: ''Am I a positional player or tactical player?''. While the question is simple, it determines the type of chess you play for the rest of your career.
Positional Chess Positional chess is basically improving all of your pieces, while making a plan on the long-run. If you can, you also exploit the weaknesses of your opponent's position. (Example: Magnus Carlsen, Bobby Fischer, Jose Raul Capablanca etc.) Let's look at this position: https://lichess.org/editor/rnbq1rk1/pp3ppp/4p3/8/2BPP3/5N2/P2Q1PPP/R3K2R_w_KQq_-_0_1?color=white White's plans are to castle kingside, develop the rooks on c1 and d1, and eventually push d5 with a strong attack. Black's plans are to fianchetto the bishop on b7, put the knight on d7 and trade of all the pieces because the endgame is better for him.
Tactical Chess Tactical chess is, simply, trying to demolish your opponent the second he makes a decisive mistake. You tend to play aggressive openings that are very tricky if you don't know. (Ex. Paul Morphy) Let's take a look at this position: https://lichess.org/editor/rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/8/2B1P3/8/PB3PPP/RN1QK1NR_w_KQkq_-_0_1?color=white White has given up 2 pawns, but he is ahead development by a lot. Let's say you play passive here. White would absolutely destroy you if you're not careful with moves like Qb3,Ng5 and if you can even Bxf7+ is a move sometimes.
