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The most important feature of any chess position — opening, middlegame and *especially* endgame — is the activity of the pieces. — Michael STEAN

* Hanging Pawns are a typical example of an unbalanced dynamic situation, requiring vigorous action from both players.

* Take nothing for granted. Don’t fret needlessly – analyse and find out if there is a win for your opponent. I often say, “Oh, Black’s only going to threaten mate”, by which I mean, the best they can achieve is a one move threat that can be easily contained. When they make that threat, you do need to react, but don’t worry needlessly; carry on with your own plans. There are some “clockwork” attacks (like the h-file assault against the fianchettoed King, or the King’s Indian Attack) that will eventually produce checkmate if left alone, but usually the best recipe is to counterattack, even if you do have to stop from time to time to counter a mating threat.

(Fine) 7. Castle as soon as possible, preferably on the king’s side.

1. not allowing counterplay