I basically concentrate on n-forks, b-pins, and r-xrays. After opening development and if position doesn't necessitate defense, candidate moves should start with looking for n-fork obvious possibilities. Then durable b-pins. And always rooks opposite opponent K or Q. Then calculation can start with how to make it work if possible. Usually looking for some sort of removing a defender.
After awhile, looking for fork and pin opportunities and getting used to removing a defender often gets to be a regular game time habit.
Calculation and tactics have to be based on a strong understanding of undefended pieces and pawns. If you can’t see both your own and your opponents' undefended pieces and pawns, then your game will be stillborn.
Don’t play “hope chess.” This is when you hope your attack or calculations are going to get the job done, but you don’t factor in your opponent’s possibilities.
Most long calculations are riddled with errors. As the great Bent Larsen said, “Long variation, wrong variation.” With this in mind, you should expect mistakes if you go for a long calculation. It’s normal, even for very strong players.
If you don’t look hard for your opponent’s best replies, then all your calculations will be faulty.
Don’t live in a dream world. If you wish to improve, and you wish to find long, exciting calculations, you have to be honest with yourself. Do NOT count on what you want your opponent to do (this chess disease goes something like this: “I’ll attack his queen, he will move a pawn, and I’ll take the queen!”). Instead, count on what your opponent's best move is.
Even if your opponent doesn’t know what to do, YOU need to know what he should do! If you can’t do this, your calculations will usually fail. Thus, be it calculation or a calm positional situation, look for your opponent’s very best replies.
The acquisition of patterns makes or breaks the chess player. The more tactical and positional patterns you master, the better your calculation will be.
Experience is everything! Don’t expect Herculean results if you haven’t put in long hours of study and practice.
I basically concentrate on n-forks, b-pins, and r-xrays. After opening development and if position doesn't necessitate defense, candidate moves should start with looking for n-fork obvious possibilities. Then durable b-pins. And always rooks opposite opponent K or Q. Then calculation can start with how to make it work if possible. Usually looking for some sort of removing a defender.
After awhile, looking for fork and pin opportunities and getting used to removing a defender often gets to be a regular game time habit.