Well even though I'm kind of a novice I'll take a shot. Play slower games. Longer time controls. Correspondence games where you can examine and mull over each position. Learn to "see" exchanges all the way through. And do as many lessons as you can on this site to develop your strategy. Tactics are great in blitz games, but strategy is king of correspondence. This will translate to your shorter games eventually and you will learn to see when to strike from a winning position, and when to tuck in like a turtle and weather the storm. That's about all I got. PM me if you want to play some slower games (unrated) and I'll gladly share my modest knowledge.
Reacting to opponents moves
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Here's an example of ignoring moves and how it can be useful.
Can I offer this consolation? at least you Look and strive to stop stuff...
that will get you a long ways in chess; and maybe further than you think- the key to being stronger is really observing the positions as they arise. strive to understand what the enemy is proposing.. after an exchange- who won ground? who's peices are now a little stronger and whos sitting in a corner looking useless...
the other point to make is that observation is the key to playing and finding strong tactics; what you need now is to strengthen your tactical abilities- to see what "Ghosts" are just harmless threats easily disarmed- (credit to "NativeChessMineral"s' excellent miniature)
and what might really ruin your day.
In short, I'd rather have your problem ; with a mind full of caution and deleberation than its opposite (mine)-- reckless agression.
What can you do or study? Mainly listen to new ideas, then try new things in your games, and analyze.
So I suggest reading a strategy book and getting feedback on some of your games. Be sure you look at the games yourself first (without a computer). Make some notes about your thoughts. Then keep an open mind when people give you feedback. Even if you disagree, it's good to be exposed to new ideas.
http://www.amazon.com/Masters-Chessboard-Richard-Reti/dp/092389148X
Hello there I was wondering if I could have some help.
I am a bit better than the average chess play but I have an achilles heel that is not allowing me to improve. I react to my opponents moves almost always. I don't really follow through with a plan when I see my opponent doing something, I start send out counter moves
This puts me into the position of being obvious. Whatever the opponent moves I am going to counter move.
I have tried attacking squares but I always end up losing trades and do not last as long as when I am counter moving. I work extremely well behind a developed defense of pawns bishops and knights, I am able to manipulate that and my strategy revolves around just not allowing anybody in without bleeding the opponent.
This again can be exploited with me by moving pieces against my defense that I will react to, openning holes and opportunities.
What can I do or study? I am really just trying to improve and am just at a wall.