Color Complex is the collective assessment of the weaknesses a player has left, especially on either the light or dark squares.

When Does It Arise?

• When a bishop is exchanged, the squares of that color may be left vulnerable.
• Pawn advances can permanently weaken squares of a particular color.
• If the opponent's pieces establish outposts on these squares, the pressure increases.

Color-complex weaknesses become especially difficult to defend when they arise around king safety.