Core game plan + analysis
for beginners to approx 1000 chess.com, 1400 Lichess
Opening moves
Control and move towards centre
---- 1 or 2 pawns in centre.
---- Develop knights /bishops towards centre and control it.
---- Castle & make a suitable escape square.
---- Connect the rooks /move rooks to centre files.
After you have developed it is time for the next phase:-
Middle game
Strategy to attack
---- Take free pieces.
---- Do not give away free pieces.
---- Ask:- can I attack? **look for Checks /Captures /Threats /(Tactics?)
---- If no attack can you prepare one?
---- Improve least active pieces.
End game
Active pieces
---- Use the King in the ending.
---- Online- do not resign.
Video to explain the key ideas for the opening phase
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Analysis
Prep for next game
Spend a few minutes to analyse the game. Keep it brief for short games.
NO ENGINE!
Simply check all or some of these:-
1. Did the opening go to plan? - look at the plan and ask if it went like that
If not:- why not? Be specific (example:- you should have castled sooner because your King got caught in the middle).
2. Did you miss a free piece?
If yes:-why did you miss it.
3. Did you give away a piece?
If yes:- why did it happen? (example:- you moved a piece and left something undefended).
4. Did you follow the middle game plan?
Conclusion-
How to improve next time
Be specific. (examples:- "I need to castle earlier / don't lock my bishops in / use my rooks / I need to attack more / need to prepare attacks better)".
Of course it could be:- " I was a genius in that game.. nothing to learn" (yeah right!).
This core plan can be build on to develop your game later
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