A full thinking routine
In short
Use this routine every move: (1) What changed with the opponent’s move — threats? (2) Forcing moves for both sides (CCT).
By the end you can
- Use a complete move-selection routine
- Balance calculation and planning
The lesson
Use this routine every move: (1) What changed with the opponent’s move — threats? (2) Forcing moves for both sides (CCT). (3) If none work: what are the imbalances and what is my plan? (4) Candidate moves that fit. (5) Calculate, compare, blunder-check, play.
It looks long, but most of it takes seconds once trained. Spend real time only at critical moments: when pieces are exchanged, when the structure changes, or when the opponent creates a new threat.
Key points to remember
- Threats → forcing moves → plan → candidates → blunder-check
- Think long at critical moments
- Routine saves time overall
Examples
Show the solution
68. Kxc7 Kf4 69. Bd5
Practise it
Solve puzzles on this idea: defensive move puzzles, quiet move puzzles.
Homework
Write the routine on a card and use it in your next tournament.
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)
- Prophylaxis: what does my opponent want? (Class C)
- Recognising critical moments at the board (Class A)