Shrink the problem
Also called Candidate moves, Narrow the options.
When there are too many options, cut them to a few good candidates, then compare those properly.
Start with forcing moves (checks, captures, threats), then moves that improve your worst piece. Two or three candidates, examined well, beat ten examined badly.
Off the board, first make sure you have more than one real option; then cut to the few worth comparing. More decisions go wrong from looking at too few options than too many.
Why it matters
Nobody can examine everything. Choosing what to examine is itself the skill.
Away from the game
Before comparing twenty suppliers or job offers in detail, cut the list to the few worth a close look. Keep the cutting rules few, because one hard rule can throw out the best option on a single point.
New to chess? The examples here use it. Play your first moves (five minutes), then learn chess from the beginning, one short lesson at a time.
Try it yourself
Too many moves to compare? Look at checks, captures and threats first. One check wins the queen.
One question, a minute or two. Nothing to finish first.
Want more? Practise Plan long-term.
Learn and practise it
- Lesson: Look at three before choosing
- Skill: Plan long-term