Success in chess depends heavily on the thought processes employed during the game. The aim is to assess the position in terms of relevant characteristics, values, objectives and other logical aspects. In addition, game preparation and general training have to be organized in a systematic manner. All of this brain work can be represented by a list of 200 relevant questions, which I will promptly unfold. Have in mind, that there will be some overlapping, as many topics are connected with each other.
The average club player will find many aspects, which might have escaped his attention so far. By doing some research, he will be able to fill the gaps. For the beginner all this might be overwhelming. However, he will be provided with a realistic picture of how rich chess can be, right from the start. He might feel appalled by the complexity or attracted by the profound adventure which lays in front of him. In any case, he will know whether chess is for him or not.
We start our journey with the hard reality of tactical infighting. After that, we move on to vast and more subtle area of positional thinking, before switching to the sphere of the metagame. Finally, we leave the battlefield altogether and consider important aspects of training and self-management.
TACTICAL OPPORTUNITIES
Tactical operations have a bigger impact than positional ones. Hence, before you immerse yourself in elaborating lengthy strategies, scan the position for direct tactical opportunities. You could immediately improve your game, if you only followed the famous CCT-rule (check, capture, threat) in a disciplined manner.
1. Can I capture something?
Sometimes it so happens on lower levels or in blitz games, that your opponent is making a direct donation. More often, however, a capture could be the start of a forced variation with a material or positional benefit at the long end.
2. Can I give a check, which leads to material or positional gains?
Sometimes a check directly picks up material by means of a double attack. In other cases, the check initiates a forced line, ending with a material reward. It might also force the opponent to make positional concessions or simply gain us a precious tempo.
3. Can I create a threat, which leads to material or positional gains, as it cannot be met in a sufficient manner?
In many occasions, a threat cannot be met at all or only in a very unsatisfactory fashion.
4. Can I create a threat, which, when overlooked, leads to some sort of benefit?
Tying to trap you opponent is okay, if your move is positionally sound and doesn’t deteriorate your position once the trap is spotted by your opponent. If the trap is well concealed, you can even take a risk and pay with the price of a small positional deterioration, in case it is spotted. It all depends on the likelihood of its revelation and the price you would have to pay. In a game of chess it is not about making the best moves, but making the moves with the highest expected value. Always try to be pragmatic.
5. Does my opponent have tactical liabilities, such as weak pawn, a vulnerable king or unprotected or exposed pieces, which could give rise to tactical operations in the near future?
Your opponent might have tactical liabilities in his camp, which cannot be exploited right away. Try to figure out how you can potentially capitalize on them in the future. You should try to build up some pressure or create threats or traps of some sort.
TACTICAL DANGERS
What applies for you also applies for your opponent. After his move, try to envision his tactical opportunities or threats.
6. Is he threatening to take something?
You have to check all capture possibilities, even if they appear harmless at first sight.
7. Is he threatening to give an unpleasant check?
If your king is exposed to a potential check, you have to examine the consequences.
8. Is he threatening to create a threat that would be awkward for me?
Check all of your tactical liabilities, such as weak pawns, a vulnerable king, unprotected or exposed pieces and consider, whether your opponent could attack one of them on his very next move.
9. How can I get rid of my tactical liabilities?
Liabilities in chess are the equivalent of liabilities in real life. The fewer the better. Try to move away your king from open lines and possibly add defenders for his protection. Protect your pawns and pieces or move them away to less exposed squares.
10. Should I do a double check?
If you are tactically vulnerable, I recommend doing a tactical double check before you move, if your time on the clock allows for it.
