Motiffs for tactics memorize!

Step 4 from 8 thinking steps are continued and expanded and worth memorizing.    Here I will give ideas on what makes a tactic or how to identify one.   Most books or cd's on tactics do it as solving puzzles.   I have thousands of them.    Unfortunately, in OTB Tournaments, time is important. If you play correspondence chess only, you have no time worry, and you have the time to search for, find and optimize the effects when a tactic is available.

    Here are eleven motifs that could help.    Think of these after each move.

1. Is any of his material en prise?

2. Do you notice any weak pieces or squares?

3. Is his king unsafe or could it easily be made unsafe?

4. Are there Queens, Rooks, or Bishops on the same file or diagonal with the enemy King or Queen.

5. Can you see forks or pins [2 of the most popular tactics] These 2 tactics [including x=ray attack or skewers] should be the first studied and really mastered.

6. Never over look a check it might be mate.   However, do not waste time in
"practice checks".   [ I have lots of tactics involving mates in 1,2. or3]  A potential Check  May lead to other ideas.

7.  Batteries, two pieces are lined up to increase the power on a file or diagonal.   This is more powerful than just one piece on a file or diagonal.  [More practice and understanding as we go.]

8. Watch for back rank weaknesses.  That's why an early a or h pawn is played up one square, (called a luft - a German word meaning Air).

9. Always take a close look at passed pawns ---- especially on the 6th or 7th ranks.

10.  Look for positional advantages such as control of file or diagonal [Step 5 will go into imbalances and strategies in depth]

11. This is difficult and takes lots of practice.  Always search for Sacrifice potential to create further weaknesses in an opponent's position - to create  possibilities around f2,g2,h2, or appropriate pawns in queenside castling.  This last motif will take further discussions.  

Specific player's ideas are always welcomed.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE!   These ideas are derived from former articles.

Thanks for fixing it.

This is really really helpful stuff.  I actually need to use a list like this for when I play...because my thoughts are all random and I frequently miss opportunities that I should have seen.