Point values are only a guide. A queen against two rooks, or a rook against a minor piece and pawns, depends on king safety, open lines and coordination.
Key principles
- Two rooks are strong when they can double on open files
- A queen thrives against uncoordinated pieces and an exposed king
- Minor piece plus pawns often beats a rook when the pawns are connected and passed
Common mistakes
- Trading by point count alone
- Ignoring which side has the safer king