Reply #118: You clearly don't understand the game of chess. [View All]

Most of those who use the chess analogy regarding Obama (whether for him or against him) don't seem to really understand chess.

In your case, you claim that pawns are sacrificed freely. Completely incorrect.

Pawns are actually very important in chess.

When grouped together, they create strong walls and restrict the enemy's movement. As they push forward, they become a powerful offensive weapon.

They can also create powerful outposts. From which knights and bishops can push even deeper into the enemy's side of the board.

Taken together, the pawns are worth 8 points .. only the queen is worth more (9 points) and in high level chess, she is usually traded off while many pawns still remain on the board.

In many high level chess games, the end comes only when every piece as been removed from the board EXCEPT for the kings and a few pawns. One of those pawns crosses the board, becomes a queen, and wins the game. Although in high level chess, the promotion of the pawn is rarely needed.

The player who is losing can see that they can not stop the pawn from crossing, and so they resign. All because of the pawn.