1. DO NOT LET THAT KNIGHT PENETRATE YOUR POSITION
2. f4 possible to play? Ok, then play.
3. Am I defending with too many pieces? If yes, move one piece to attack.
4. In case you have no plan: move your worst piece.
Mental Check List
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This may sound a little arrogant, but I think I am a better player than my rating suggests. Not a lot better, just maybe closer to 1400 than to 1200.
After analysing some of my games, with the help of the computer analysis tool on here, I seem to make some very silly — and often very obvious — mistakes. I think if I am able to cut these down, then I stand a chance of improving and reaching the 1400 mark.
I have no sort of routine before I move my peice. I think if I get in the habit of going through a mental check list of things to look at before I hit that "Submit" button, then that might help?
Do any of you do somethign similar? If so, what is on your list?