- What is your opponent up to? What are all the things your opponent's move does?
- Even if you think you know: look at all the checks and captures (now and next moves for your opponent)
- Most important: Look around the whole board
- Can you spot any tactical patterns -- or are there loose pieces/Kings -- can they make something happen?
- What can you do to them? Same routine: checks and captures, whole board, tactical patterns
- Improving your position -- which is your laziest piece?
- What are you trying to do -- where are you each strong or weak? which moves help your attack (or defence)?
- Do any of your moves help your opponent?
- Choose between at least 2 moves
- Check your move before playing it -- you will undefend or expose something -- checks and captures again
- Don't waste time over unimportant decisions
Chess Tips
| MIDDLEGAME TIPS: |
* Open files are precious. If there is one around, with Rooks on the board, you must seek to control or challenge it. Particularly in open positions, control of files is paramount. |