The end of the Ding v Gukesh World Championship match elicited a number of comments concerning possible reasons for Ding's error, but trying to simplify when behind on material isn't unprecedented. In local Canberra circles doing so even has a name. It is known as Forace's Legacy, discovered by, and named after, local player Lee Forace.
It apparently came about during an analysis session many years ago, involving a number of (then) junior players. In a position where one side was behind on material, Lee suggested a move that involved the weaker side swapping off a piece. When the other players looked confused, Lee asked 'what's wrong?'. The reply came back 'you don't exchange when behind on material'.
Now like most chess rules, there are exceptions, as shown in this years World Championship. Exchanging to reach a fortress, or going into a drawn ending a pawn (or even a piece) down are well known motif's. But these are special cases, and in general keeping pieces on the board is normally preferable when behind. However, I will also suggest that blindly exchanging pieces when you are ahead on material is not always the best strategy either.
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