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How to Think About Your Opponent's Chess Moves

A game of chess is the ultimate mental contest between two opponents. Using only your brains as weapons and the game pieces as ammunition, both opponents strive to create clever and complex ideas that they then manifest on the chess board. Nothing is more frustrating and disheartening to the improving player than watching with dismay as his opponent out-thinks and outmaneuvers him. Luckily, you can follow a few basic tips to react correctly to your opponent's moves and eliminate many of the mistakes beginners are prone to make.

Things You'll Need

Chess board
Chess set
Chess tactical problems book

Instructions

- 1
  Determine whether or not your opponent's move threatens any of your chess pieces. Check to see if any of your pieces can be captured or traded off. If such a threat exists, consider a move that counters the threat.
- 2
  
  Always be aware of future threats from your opponent.
  
  Look at the position of the piece your opponent just moved. Check its potential to make new threats or improve its position. Imagine countermoves that might prevent the potential danger.
- 3
  Pay close attention to your king's safety. Check to see if your opponent's last move positioned a piece closer to your king. Decide whether or not your king is threatened in any way. Take steps to safeguard your king if necessary.
- 4
  
  Find your opponent's mistakes and exploit them.
  
  Determine whether or not your opponent's last move was a mistake. Many of your opponent's moves will be imperfect. Check for opportunities to capture any of your opponent's pieces or improve your position as a result of her last move. Be on the lookout for new ways to threaten her king.
- 5
  Decide how your opponent's last move affected any of your planned moves. Come up with a new plan of action if required.

Chess & Checkers