Trade Evaluation: a middlegame course

Judge trades by the position they leave: material, king safety, piece activity and possible drawn endings.

5 lessons, each followed by its own puzzle drill, then 10 themed puzzle packs.

• The Rule — Compare material and pawn structure before simplifying.
• Trade the Right Piece First — Choose the exchange order that preserves your advantage.
• Trade the Attackers — Exchange an active attacker when it reduces danger to your king.
• Trade Toward Your Good Piece — Keep the piece better suited to the remaining position.
• Trade Into the Won Ending — Verify that the resulting ending is favorable before trading.