whats the most usefull piece of advice u recieved for chess?

Learn how to finish a game.

I have played some good players who have the advantage only to find, when we reach the end game, they are lost and not sure what to do.

BE THE CHESS PIECES,be the ball, etc.

if that dont work, take 2 weeks off then quit!!

works for golf too!!

Hicetnunc said it... sit on your hands. Especially on turn-based chess where you have lots of time to study the position. Another quote that means the same thing went something like 'If you find a good move, great. Find a better one.'

Don't be in a hurry to make what you think are obvious moves.

Also, there is nothing wrong with looking for a cheap win, there is a LOT wrong with expecting it. Loomis said it... play like your opponent WILL find the strongest move.

Chess:  When you find a good move, look for a better one.

Life: 

You can be anything you want to be.  (my dad) 

Don't get arrested for any major crimes, and stay out of jail.  If you can do that, I will have concluded that I raised you well. (my dad again)

 this is some advice i give to below 1400 players, theoretically it should work.

think long and hard for you next move...consider every possibility. got you move yet? well pick another one because it likely sucks.

Don't play so passively.

Passively, me?!  What do you mean?

Something my dad told me when he was teaching me to play: "Castle early and often." I tried to tell him you can only do it once per game, but...

 Great advice from the rest of you -- I'll have to write some of those down.

              well, chess for me is just like life.the best advice i learned in chess and life in general is"choose your moves carefully, in chess, as in life."in chess, the way to improve is to master all aspects of the game.i study openings and the middle game associated with it, and also the endgame, although i admit i am not too good in this phase of the game.buy lots of books and study them,dream about them, sleep with them etc.play lots of blitz chess coz this enhances ur memory,keeps you alert,and fires up your killer instinct.also study closely the games of great champions, study their analyses and their comments.you'll sure to find tips and ideas that will help you for improvement. 

 Not exactly what i had in mind but isint he the guy who also promoted the 'cant touch this' move? 'Hands off my pieces ya little bugger!'