ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Fortress (chess)

Okay kiddo, let's talk about a fortress in chess.

You know how in chess, there are different pieces like the pawn, bishop, and knight? Well, a fortress is when a player sets up their pieces in a way that makes it really hard for their opponent to win, even if they have some powerful pieces left.

Think of it like building a really strong, impenetrable castle in a game of hide and seek, where the seeker can't find you no matter how hard they try.

In chess, a fortress usually involves putting your pieces in a way that blocks any possible attacks from your opponent and stops them from getting to your king. It can be kind of tricky to set up, and it requires a lot of careful planning and positioning.

So, if you manage to create a fortress, it can be really frustrating for your opponent because they might feel like they can't make any progress and that they're just wasting their time.

But remember, even a fortress can be broken if your opponent is really good at chess and can find a way to outsmart you. So it's not a guaranteed win, but it can definitely help you out if you're in a tough spot!