Themes
Each number is a game; it opens the move where he explains the idea. Open a theme to read what it is about.
General
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The method of comparison, in both directions
A move is right or wrong for a reason. Compare it with a position where it was the other way round, and the reason shows.
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Ask what he is actually threatening
Before defending, ask whether the threat is real and what exactly it threatens. Often the answer is less than it looks.
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Ask what the move just allowed
After every move, name what the position now allows that it did not a moment ago.
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Be obsessed with undefended pieces
Make it a habit to notice every undefended piece, yours and his, and to count the defenders of every piece that is under attack.
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07
Positional combination: trade with tactics
When the piece you want to trade will not go quietly, force the trade with a tactic that wins the material back.
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Make one move do two jobs
When a task can be done in a way that also does something else, do it that way. Do not tie a piece to one job if another can do it and keep working.
Pawn structure
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A pawn move leaves a hole you cannot fill
A pawn cannot move backwards. Before advancing it, ask which square it stops guarding for good.
Piece play
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06
Send one piece through the square another wants
When two pieces want the same square, send one through it on its way somewhere else, and let the other one stay.
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07
Hit the pawn with pieces where a pawn would let him close the position
Attack a pawn centre with pieces when a pawn strike would only let the opponent push past and lock the position.