- 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: |
* Preserve your options. Do what is required - whether a retreat or an attack - but don't burn your bridges unnecessarily. Squeeze your opponent's options - this is hard for them to sit still for, and they may lash out without heed for the dangers. |