27 Apr '17 02:16>
Before every move, consider the following:
1-Does your opponent have a threat? If so,
- - - - - - a) Can you counter the threat in an attacking way? (do not be passive)
- - - - - - b) Is there an "in-betweener" move that can dodge the threat with tempo i.e. with check
2-Can you make any advancing move with tempo? Assess them
3-Is your King safe? Is your enemies'? (Check all checks!)
4-Do you have any hanging pieces or pawns? Does your opponent?
5-Can you gain territory? Look for key squares and try to gain space with (safe) pawn advances
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And like Dogg says, tactics training will help brush up on all of these.
I recommend using lichess.org - it's free to join and the puzzles there always adapt
to your strengths (the better you get, the harder they become)
My own method was all of the above, but also with videos and articles thrown in with regards to opening theory,
and also some valuable insights from good players such as Jerry @ chessnetwork
Here's one video for example, which showcases checkmate patterns which are useful to know
YouTube
1-Does your opponent have a threat? If so,
- - - - - - a) Can you counter the threat in an attacking way? (do not be passive)
- - - - - - b) Is there an "in-betweener" move that can dodge the threat with tempo i.e. with check
2-Can you make any advancing move with tempo? Assess them
3-Is your King safe? Is your enemies'? (Check all checks!)
4-Do you have any hanging pieces or pawns? Does your opponent?
5-Can you gain territory? Look for key squares and try to gain space with (safe) pawn advances
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And like Dogg says, tactics training will help brush up on all of these.
I recommend using lichess.org - it's free to join and the puzzles there always adapt
to your strengths (the better you get, the harder they become)
My own method was all of the above, but also with videos and articles thrown in with regards to opening theory,
and also some valuable insights from good players such as Jerry @ chessnetwork
Here's one video for example, which showcases checkmate patterns which are useful to know
YouTube