The first Thought - This is the most important of all chess tips.

When your opponent moves what do you think first? Many people think they are the center of the earth and think only about themselves. Some players might even think how great they are and that they are going to win just because they have the higher rating. This arrogant attitude will be punished in a chess game in no time at all. If you think first about yourself and how great you are, after your opponent has moved, then it is time to change this way of thinking completely or you will never become a good player. You are going to lose many games just because of your attitude. Learn from the following chess tips.
After he has made his move, the right way to think is:
What is he threatening? What does he want?

Make sure that you work out his plans or you might get into real trouble. He threatens a knight fork and you see nothing or a hidden sacrifice that would destroy your kingside.

When you understand the move of your opponent completely, then you can think about your own moves and ideas.

Remember, you are not the center of the earth. What I mean is that your opponent is very important too. Chess is not just evolving around you. If you just think about yourself in chess you run right into a disaster. It's like in real life. These chess tips can save you many games, please follow them.

Be a Fighter

Fight on move after move and don't play only half-hearted when you are in a bad position. If you lose heart you don't see your saving moves because your mental abilities are reduced. If you fight on, your opponent might make a mistake because he does not expect such hard resistance. In the long run such an attitude will save half a point here and there. Instead of losing you might make a draw or even win because he gets tired and makes a blunder.

Don't get into Time-trouble. These chess tips keep you out of stress.

If you are one of those players that get into time trouble on a regular basis then you should get this problem under control. Prepare your openings well and play the first 10 to 12 movesin just a few minutes.

Time trouble is like a disease for some players. They just can't control it. There are psychological reasons for getting repeatedly into time trouble in tournament games.
# You have a strong opponent.

This makes you think twice about every move he does and you check constantly everything that happens on the board. You see dangers where there is nothing at all. You have hallucinations. Your mind is blocked by fear. You can't think properly. Because of that you rethink variations over and over to make sure that you have not overlooked something. This all costs time. Relax and forget about the opponent. It's just a game, you don't lose your life when you lose.

Just play your usual game. What can happen? Nothing much, you just might lose a game of chess, that's all. Your life is not dependant on that game. If you keep that in mind you stay relaxed and play well.

# The position of the game is not after your taste.

You don't like this variation at all or this whole setup. You don't understand the position and can't find a plan. This makes you think longer. Tell yourself mentally that this position is fascinating and that you love to find good moves.

# You are sad about missed opportunities in this game.

You constantly think about it. This cost time and nerves and clouds your thinking. Tell yourself that you consider this game from now on as a completely new game and that, what has happened a few moves before, is not important anymore. You are going to play well from now on.

# Don't waste all your time trying to find the best move.

You might never find it and lose on time. Imagine how much time and energy you would need if you try to find the best move every time it's your move.

If you see a good move, check it and have a look around if there is a better one. If not, just move and then think on your opponents time.

Chess Tricks

Don't use chess tricks. Chess is not just about winning or losing. Chess is like a philosophy, a way of life. When you become a real chessplayer this game will have a certain influence on your life and on your way of thinking.

Keep on playing then you will understand what I mean. But there are sometimes tricks used that can upset your mental balance. Just get to know them, that will be sufficient. Don't use them as your opponent deserves a fair game. The following tricks are not the way a chessplayer should behave, don't you think?