Practical Chess Psychology

Lessons

1. 1
   Why We Lose Games — The mind at the board

   The four thieves of chess points, and the one question to ask every move.

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2. 2
   A Thinking Routine for Every Move — Simple steps that prevent most mistakes

   A five-step routine: what changed, the threat, forcing moves, candidates and the blunder check.

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3. 3
   Using Your Clock Wisely — Time is a piece too

   Making a time budget, where to spend time and how increments change your plan.

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4. 4
   Surviving Time Trouble — When the clock is ticking

   Safe moves, protected pieces and what to do when your opponent is short of time.

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5. 5
   After a Mistake — The second mistake is worse than the first

   How to reset after a mistake and find the most stubborn defence.

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6. 6
   Never Resign Too Early — Stalemate, perpetual check and fortresses

   The defender’s rescue resources, and making your opponent prove the win.

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7. 7
   Winning a Won Position — The hardest thing in chess

   Removing counterplay, trading pieces and finding the only winning move.

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8. 8
   Stronger and Weaker Opponents — Play the board, not the rating

   The right attitude against higher- and lower-rated players.

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9. 9
   Rules Every Tournament Player Must Know — The FIDE Laws that cost points

   Touch-move, illegal moves, the clock, the scoresheet, phones and arriving late.

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10. 10
    Draws, Results and Etiquette — How to offer, claim and behave

    Draw offers, repetition and the 50-move rule, and good manners at the board.

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11. 11
    Swiss Tournaments and Tournament Days — Pairings, tie-breaks, food, sleep and nerves

    How Swiss pairings and tie-breaks work, and how to prepare body and mind.

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12. 12
    Learning From Your Own Games — Your games are your best teacher

    A method for analysing your games, using the computer and keeping a mistakes notebook.

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