Developing a thought process for OTB/Live Chess

Hi all,

I have been thinking about developing a systematic thinking process for my standard time control chess games.  At this stage I am thinking that the way to go would be to do a systematic check for tactical ideas on each move, before proceeding with a strategic plan based on the imbalances in the position.

So at this stage my process looks something like this, is there anything I should add/remove from this process?

1.  Is the safety of either king jeopardized?  If so how can I  exploit/rectify this.

2.  Are any pieces hanging?

3.  Are there any checks or captures that lead to immediate wins for either side?

4.  Are there any undefended pieces that can be exploited?

5.  Is there potential for any basic tactical motifs (pin, fork, skewer, discovery) that can be exploited?

6.  (When considering what appears to be a forcing move) Is there a zwischenzug available?

*** moving on to positional factors

7.  What are the material imbalances?  How can I improve my pieces and restrict my opponent's pieces?

8.  Do I have a space advantage or can I obtain one?  How can I protect my space advantage or undermine that of my opponent?

9.  Are there any weaknesses in either sides pawn structure that can be targeted?

10.  Do I have a lead in development and/or the initiative?  Can I maintain this by creating immediate threats?

11.  (in the endgame) Does either side have or can they create a passed pawn?  Can it be pushed?

Fascinating. good thinking.

Why not.

But long term, your objective is to get rid of most elements in this list and replace them with intuition + calculation.

True enough only problem is if I do that now I'm likely to hang my queen. xD