* 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.
6. avoiding complications
* (and … winning the game!)
3. Move minor pieces out first, not your Q or RRs which can be attacked and lose time
12. Two bishops vs. B&N or N&N are usually a real advantage.
* Pawn structures usually have positive and negative features, e.g. every doubled Pawn yields a (half)-open file.
11. In open or semi-open positions a bishop is usually superior to a knight.
* Always look to the centre, even if it is closed or has been quiet.
“…To all players I can recommend the following: simplicity and economy. These are the characteristics of the opening systems of many great masters… A solid opening repertoire fosters self-confidence.” — LAJOS PORTISCH
* Don’t ever coast along. Keep coming up with ideas. Put your opponent under pressure. Force your will on your opponent – get them to react to you. If you think you see a win, go for it.
