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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06101218212223
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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010708111319202223
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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1223
A move that threatens something is the one played without checking
A move that attacks something feels productive, so it gets played without checking. Check it anyway.
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01030506101112141518192223
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.
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13
Use no more force than the job needs
Use no more force than the job needs. A piece spent on overkill is not doing something else.
Pawn structure
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1214
Attack a chain where it hurts - usually the base
Attack a pawn chain at its base, unless the aim is to get rid of a particular pawn.
Piece play
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040512
A piece can be given the job of defending
Not every piece has to be active. One that stays home holding the position can be doing the most important job on the board.
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13
No good square for the piece? Develop it a different way
If every normal square for a piece has a drawback, develop it differently, for example by fianchettoing it.
Strategy
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0712
Let him spend the moves taking it
Sometimes it is better to let a piece be taken than to defend it, if taking it costs the opponent the moves you need.
Attack
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12
An attack away from the king needs a target you name yourself
An attack away from the king works like one on the king: pick the target yourself, bring the pieces, and pile on.
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1324
Play for mate, not material
Against an exposed king, play for mate. Material that drifts into a queen trade is not worth taking.