A well-played opening leads to better defense and more opportunities. Doing lots of puzzles leads to more pattern recognition. Experience leads to an easier recognition of traps to dodge and opponent mistakes to exploit.
Having said that: luck happens because your opponent makes a mistake that you know how to punish, or your opponent doesn't notice a mistake you made!
If you play higher level people, you'll find that they can predict what you are going to do, sometimes before you decide to do it! Then the good feeling can turn to frustration. Be aware that this can happen, and don't let it get you down if it does. This prophylactic ability is what makes Masters so good.
Glad you are doing well. Hope my comment helps.
Hi all! I am noticing lately that after I play my book opening or defense that more and more things just seem to fall into place kind of as the game progresses. Is this due to setting up a good opening, maybe subconciously recognizing patterns and playing moves based on that, or just plain luck? I'm around 1000 so obviously I'm not talking ground breaking GM stuff lol, but more and more things just feel right as the game goes on and I get into some very rewarding spots...
Just wondering how your experiences have been or if you'd like to share your wisdom.
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