How to Play a Killer Chess Move

Analyze each piece in the current game position. Look at each of the opposition's pieces and note the squares those pieces are controlling or attacking. This analysis applies to the beginning, middle and end of the game. Note which of the opposition's pieces are attacking and which pieces are defending.

Examine the position for protected pieces. These are the opposition's pieces that are protected by another piece or pieces. Look at the entire board, not just the board's center where most of the action takes place. Note the positions of the Queen, Bishops and Rooks. These pieces can attack from long distances and are often overlooked because of their position far away the board's center.

Create a mental list of at least three candidate moves. Candidate moves are the most promising moves that can be made in a particular position. Compare the moves to see if one is better than the others. It is crucial to have multiple move choices because it forces the player to analyze the position from different points of view. This thought process starts training a player to think multiple moves ahead of an opponent.

Ask a simple question before making the chosen candidate move: "Why is this move being made?" There has to be an extremely good answer to this question, otherwise the move has no merit. The correct answer will explain what the player is getting out of the move, such as winning material, a better position or the removal of the opposition's key defender. Once the question is answered, make the move. This is how you make a killer chess move, using the power of logic rather than tricks and traps.