🚫 Avoiding Blunders and Prophylactic Thinking
The easiest way to improve your rating is not to play brilliant moves, but to stop playing bad ones. Blunders usually occur when we ignore the opponent's ideas. Prophylaxis—the art of thinking about what your opponent wants to do—is the antidote. This guide teaches you to constantly ask "What is their threat?" turning defensive awareness into a powerful weapon that frustrates your opponent's plans.
🎯 1. Always Ask “What Changed?”
After each move, ask what squares or lines opened or closed. This simple question prevents oversight of new threats.
🎯 2. Check for Loose Pieces
Unprotected pieces are tactical magnets. Before every move, glance at what’s hanging and ensure all defenders coordinate.
🎯 3. Think Defensively Before Attacking
Make sure your own king and pieces are safe before launching aggression. Good defence is the foundation for good attack.
🎯 4. Slow Down on Critical Moves
If a position suddenly opens or a trade is offered, take a few extra seconds. Most blunders happen during transitions.
✅ Summary
Prophylactic thinking means respecting your opponent’s ideas as much as your own. Cultivate awareness, and your mistake rate will drop dramatically.