Templar (knight tactic nickname)
Templar
Definition
“Templar” is not a standard, codified chess term in mainstream theory or textbooks. Instead, it is an informal nickname sometimes used by players, streamers, or club communities to refer to the knight piece (evoking the image of a medieval knight) or to knight-led, sacrificial attacks. You might also see “Templar” attached to offbeat gambits or study names (e.g., “Templar Attack/Gambit”) in videos or databases, but these labels are not universally recognized.
Usage in Chess
When “Templar” appears in chess content, it typically means one of the following:
- A colorful nickname for the knight, especially when it is the spearhead of an attack.
- A rhetorical label for aggressive, knight-driven assaults against the enemy king—often sacrifices on f7 (for Black) or f2 (for White).
- A catchy, nonstandard name for a creative line or puzzle featuring knight tactics; such names vary by author and are not official opening theory.
Strategic Significance
While “Templar” itself is informal, the ideas it evokes are very real and important in practical play:
- Forks: Knights excel at forking kings, queens, and rooks, especially from central squares like e5, d6, e4, or d5.
- Outposts: Establishing a knight on a protected square in the opponent’s half (e.g., d6 for White vs. the Sicilian) can dominate the position and spawn tactics.
- f7/f2 Weakness: The squares f7 and f2 are the least defended in the starting position—classic targets for knight sacrifices that open lines against the king.
- Coordinated Knight Play: Two knights working together (often with queen/bishop support) can create mating nets or decisive material gains.
Examples
The following illustrative example shows a knight-led assault often associated with “Templar-style” sacrifices. Note: the line is standard theory known as the Fried Liver Attack motif; “Templar” is just a stylistic nickname for the knight’s role.
Example: Italian Game, Fried Liver motif — White sacrifices on f7 to rip open Black’s king.
- 4. Ng5 targets f7, the tender point in Black’s camp.
- …Nxd5? allows 6. Nxf7, a thematic knight sacrifice to expose the king.
- 7. Qf3+ keeps the initiative, demonstrating how a knight “charge” can trigger a direct attack.
Another common “Templar-style” motif is a simple knight fork tactic. Imagine White knight on c7+ forking Black’s king on e8 and rook on a8 after a queenside lapse. Such forks often arise from an advanced outpost (e.g., a knight that reached b5 and jumped into c7).
Historical and Cultural Notes
- The nickname alludes to the medieval Knights Templar; it’s an evocative way to describe a “charging” knight on the chessboard.
- Language note: The standard name of the piece is “knight” (often “horse” in other languages: caballo, chevalier, Springer, etc.). “Templar” is purely stylistic.
- Don’t confuse “Templar” with “tempo/tempi,” which are formal terms describing time/turns in development.
- In some fairy-chess variants or creative compositions, authors occasionally name custom pieces “Templar,” but this is outside orthodox chess.
How to Apply the Idea
- Hunt for f7/f2 tactics when your knight and queen/bishop coordinate on those squares.
- Build and guard knight outposts; once established, look for forks and attacking jumps.
- Before any “Templar-style” sacrifice, calculate concrete lines: checks, captures, and threats. Ensure you have enough attackers and follow-up moves.
Related Terms
Quick Takeaway
“Templar” isn’t an official chess term, but it’s a vivid nickname often attached to knight-led attacks and sacrifices. Treat it as color commentary—useful for remembering the power of well-posted knights and classic f7/f2 strikes—rather than a formal theoretical label.