Masters have a special way of weighing their options throughout the course of a chess game. There are many things to consider: plans, calculations, identifying weaknesses, when to pay attention to a threat, and when to break a rule.
How do you know if you should make a capture? Most of the time, all you have to do is count. FM Mike Klein explains the key chess concept of counting how many pieces attack and defend your target.
It's important to be have your own forcing moves and plans, but just as important is to think about what your opponent could be planning to do!
FM Mike Klein teaches you the right time to check, and just as importantly, when not to.
A big part of chess is trading material - but only when it's a good trade!
FM Mike Klein gives you three important things to focus on in all your chess games: checks, captures, and threats.
How do you finish off a winning game? The answer is chess technique.
Are you ready for a chess tournament? FM Mike Klein walks you through tournament preparation from a master's perspective.
Sometimes you have to break a rule in a chess game. When and how should you do that?
What should you do when you have a lost position?
A big part of chess involves moving your pieces into better positions. When there is no direct attack or tactics, you often have to just improve your worst piece.
"Prophylaxis" is a fancy way of saying "prevention". When a player makes a "prophylactic move", they are going out of their way to stop what the opponent was planning.
It is important to be able to determine if the opponent's threats are real, or just illusions. An overly-defensive attitude, reacting to every supposed threat by the opponent, can be nearly as harmful as not paying attention to what your opponent is doing.
In most positions, you cannot look more than a few moves ahead because your opponent has too may options. But in some cases, it is necessary to look far ahead.