Training

(Hort) 2. Take advantage of every move.

But don’t dither – decide what your basic choices are at the start – narrow it down to the two or three most likely – and decide. [If you know which plan you are following the moves can come fairly easily.] If you get it down to two moves which look equally good, find some other way of deciding between them (most centralising, least forcing for your opponent…). [You know the story of Buridan’s ass, which died of starvation between two equal-sized piles of hay because it never could choose which one to start on].

* Neither be over-impressed by your own threats. An attack by one piece on another is meaningless in itself – it may distract an important defender. Equally, don’t assume that a stock combination or sacrifice works for you in the position you have today – small differences can make it fail. Don’t hope vainly – analyse and find out.

8. Keep your queen safe

13. Passed pawns should not be blockaded by the king: the only piece which is not much harmed by watching over an opponent’s pawn is the knight.

9. Rooks belong behind passed pawns.

(Hort) 12. During the first few moves, pay special attention to the vulnerable KB2 square on both sides.

1. every position is capable of being ruined

2. minor details can affect the outcome

3. if there is only one way you can lose, make sure you secure against it