MIDDLEGAME TIPS: tip105

* Ignore your opponent’s time pressure. Take your own time to find the best moves as you normally would. Don’t try and rush your opponent – they are probably more used to playing quickly than you are and may outplay you, or set you a trap!

Don’t play a move with a one-move threat that can be easily stopped.

Don’t play a good-looking move in vague hopefulness: consider what your opponent’s reply might be.

(Fine) Fine’s two last questions to be asked before a move is made: * How does it affect the centre? * How does it fit in with the development of my other pieces and pawns?

4. being careful

4. poisoned pawns