The Framework
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Learn core principles.
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Apply them in slow games.
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Analyze your decisions afterward.
This is the framework I use with students I coach.
Here are the core principles:
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The Principle of Activity & Material: These are the two pillars of chess. You must constantly strive to increase the activity of your pieces while capturing material whenever it is freely given.
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The Principle of the Least Active Piece: When you aren't sure what to play, identify your "worst" piece and improve its position. This is the secret to consistent positional play.
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The Principle of Attack: Attacking moves are superior because they force the opponent to react. Prioritize calculating Forcing Moves (Checks, Captures, and Threats) before anything else.
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Maximum Activity: Place your pieces as forward as possible to restrict your opponent.
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Keeping the Tension: Do not release the tension (exchange pieces/pawns) unless it gives you a concrete advantage. Releasing tension often helps the opponent free their game.
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The Principle of the Center: Centralization is the most efficient way to dominate the board.
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Neutralization: If an opponent has an active piece on your territory, your immediate priority is to attack it, force it back, or exchange it.
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The 3 Opening Tasks: 1) Develop pieces, 2) Castle, 3) Connect rooks.
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Endgame Strategy: In the endgame, the logic changes: Activate your King, advance passed pawns, and attack opponent's weak pawns.
Strange things have all the answers in my head, still can't find the time