Strategy

And hard to win if your opponent sees it coming 

Also hard to improve, if you think strategy is just that.

Haven't you heard; strategy doesn't even exist!

 Most don't.

 Definitely its not only that, but those 2 facets have a tremendous impact on the game

I wish I got a check every time I discovered something

i think nimzowitsch does mention those two things in his introduction

strategy is building up tactics. strengthening your position and pieces. if you just do one move threats you're not going to get better.

I agree they're very useful.  But as to how often opponent's will see it coming I think it depends on who you play.  Some people like you find them very handy and so are always looking out for them.

Also now that you've posted this advice maybe even more players will be watching out!

There was a good book about chess strategy out about a year ago called 'CHESS STRATEGY FOR CLUB PLAYERS'

In it the author adopts Karpov and Mazukevich's 'line of thinking" that goes something like the following...

1) What is the material balance?

2) Are there any direct threats?

3) How is the safety of both kings?

4) Pawn Structure...a) where are the open lines and diagonals?

                             b) are there any strong squares?

                             c) which pawns are weak?

                             d) who is controlling the center?

                             e) who has more space and where does he have it?

5) Which pieces are active and which are not?

Based on the positional judgements of the above you proceed to formulate your plan.

I think it makes good sense but of course executing a good procedure is one thing and falling into your old bad habits is another.

my two cents worth...Gavin

moo

Indeed the elements of strategy are vast.  To attempt to boil them down into 2 basic tactical motifs is an insult to the game.  

How dare you add something of value to the discussion! Can you believe the nerve of this guy?

My deepest apologies...I'm new here and don't know better.