seeds of tactical destruction
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It is what chess players don’t think about that most establishes their playing strength. Magnus Carlsen can beat any FM quite easily and consistently, but not because he does a more thorough job looking for things to “think about”. Rather, it is because the things his opponents’ have to think about are the things he never has to think about. It is why the younger generation eventually outperforms the older generation … they subconsciously assimilate the analysis which the older generation had to consciously “think about” and figure out. This also partially explains “preparation” in chess. If you have to think, then you are dead.
What do chess experts and masters think about before they make a move in classical time control chess. Do they look for Seeds of Tactical Destruction as described in Dan Heiisman's book Back to Basic: Tactics(loose pieces, overworked pieces) or do the say to themselves my opponent is a very strong player they wouldn't make any tactical mistakes, I better concentrate on positional play?