Their next move
Also called Anticipation, What do they want?.
After every move by the other side, ask what it wants to do next.
The question is short: what does that move want? It might attack something, prepare an attack, or free a piece. Name it, then decide whether it matters.
Beginners look only at their own plans. The step up is to look at the board through the other side’s eyes once per move.
Why it matters
A move has a purpose. If you see it, you can stop it, or ignore it on purpose; if you do not, it happens to you.
Away from the game
When a competitor cuts a price or a colleague changes a plan, ask what it sets up, not just what it does today.
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
White has just played Qh5. What does it want to do next?
2 questions, a minute or two. Nothing to finish first.
Want more? Practise Think ahead.
Play it out: the The bonus rule lab, about five minutes against bots.
Learn and practise it
- Lesson: Their next move
- Skill: Think ahead