Prophylaxis: what does my opponent want?
In short
” Then you either stop that idea or make sure your move does not allow it. Many strong moves are simply the prevention of the opponent’s best plan.
By the end you can
- Ask the prophylactic question every move
- Prevent the opponent’s plan before pursuing own plan
The lesson
Prophylactic thinking means asking “what would my opponent play if it were their move?” Then you either stop that idea or make sure your move does not allow it. Many strong moves are simply the prevention of the opponent’s best plan.
Prophylaxis is not passivity. Preventing counterplay often makes your own plan unstoppable, because the opponent runs out of useful moves.
Key points to remember
- Ask: what does the opponent want?
- Stop it if it’s strong
- Prevention makes your plan work
Examples
Show the solution
35. Rxh6+ Ke7 36. Rxd6 Kxd6 37. Kf5
Practise it
Solve puzzles on this idea: defensive move puzzles, quiet move puzzles.
Homework
In two games, write the opponent’s best idea every 5 moves.
More thinking process lessons
- What did my opponent just do? (Foundation)
- The safety check before every move (Novice)
- Checks, captures, threats (CCT) (Class F)
- Candidate moves (Class E)
- A full thinking routine (Class D)
- Recognising critical moments at the board (Class A)