10 steps to choose a move

There’s a lot to do so don’t rush!

1. What is your opponent up to?  What are all the things your opponent’s move does?
2. Even if you think you know: look at all the checks and captures (now and next moves for your opponent)
3. Most important: Look around the whole board
4. Can you spot any tactical patterns — or are there loose pieces/Kings — can they make something happen?
5. What can you do to them?  Same routine: checks and captures, whole board, tactical patterns
6. Improving your position — which is your laziest piece?
7. 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?
8. Choose between at least 2 moves 
9. Check your move before playing it — you will undefend or expose something — checks and captures again
10. Don’t waste time over unimportant decisions