In short: When both sides capture a piece of about the same value, such as bishop for knight or rook for rook.
Also called exchange of pieces.
In a trade both sides give up a piece of about the same value. Bishop for knight, rook for rook or queen for queen. The material stays the same, but the position changes, and that is why trades matter so much.
When to trade
- When you are ahead in material. Trade pieces, but not pawns. The fewer pieces are left, the more an extra pawn counts.
- When you are cramped. With fewer pieces, less room is needed. Read about space.
- When an enemy piece is dangerous. Trade off a piece that attacks or defends something important, and try to keep your own best pieces.
- When your own piece is bad. A bad bishop is often best traded for your opponent's good one.
When not to
If you have a weakness, such as an isolated pawn, you often want to keep the pieces. The more pieces, the more play you can get instead. The same goes when you are behind in material: with many pieces left there are more chances. Read about the isolated queen's pawn.
A trade that decides
With rooks still on the board, winning with an extra pawn can take a long time. After a trade it can be over in a few moves.
What the pieces are worth, and when a trade is like for like, is explained under piece values.
Frequently asked questions
Should you trade when you are ahead?
Yes, as a rule: trade pieces, but not pawns. The fewer pieces are left, the more an extra pawn counts.
What is the difference between a trade and winning the exchange?
In a trade you get as much back as you give. When you win the exchange you get a rook for a bishop or a knight, so more than you give.
Updated November 14, 2026
The starting position. Press ▶ or use the arrow keys.