Expert roadmap0%
Decision SystemChapter 6 · Opponent first
Read their idea.
Then find your move.
Use one repeatable thinking loop instead of guessing from move to move.
ConceptUnderstand before you move
Start with WOW—What does the Opponent Want? Once the threat is understood, scan forcing candidates: checks, captures, threats, and active moves. This reduces blunders and keeps your play purposeful.
- WOW: identify what changed after the opponent’s last move and what they threaten next.
- Candidate scan: checks, captures, threats, then active improving moves.
- For every candidate, calculate the opponent’s strongest reply—not the reply you hope they play.
Last movec5
c7 → c5White to moveFEN & PGNTap any move above for its position+
FEN · current
rnbq1rk1/pp2bppp/4pn2/2pp2B1/2PP4/2N1PN2/PP3PPP/R2QKB1R w KQ c6 0 7PGN · through this move
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 c5Your move
Black challenged your centre with …c5. Find the most active capture.