How to Develop Initiative & Win in a Decisive Attack

Important Factors:

I.                   Opening

1.     Mastery of Classics: Knowing the crucial elements of your openings through analysis of the top games in the past: World Championship Matches, etc.

2.     Mastering novelties (up-to-date insights).

3.     Working with engine to discover and record those decisive ideas. You must consistently apply and rehearse the ideas you’ve encountered.

II.                Entering Middlegame

1.     As the advantage is accumulated, staying alert and proactive is the mindset you want to adopt. You must keep the pressure and not let the opponent off the hook.

2.     There is a fine balance in taking a risk:

·        If the position is already great and will stay consistently better strategically, you must lean towards accepting a smaller edge with little or no counterplay for your opponent

·        If you are likely to lose the advantage or get a worse position as things stabilize, then you must push forward to keep the opponent imbalanced (keep the king in the center, sac the exchange, go all in throwing all the possible tricks at your opponent: Tal like”

III.             Major situational factors

1.     Pressure your opponent into time disadvantage: Having a solid opening foundation allows for confident opening play. Playing fast and strong is a matter of gaining competitive momentum. Through consistent practice and inspired application the player accesses a more empowering head-space and gets to trust him or herself  more and more.

2.     If the competition format allows for preparation, sniper like predication may be enough in itself to gain massive leverage in winning the game. Practice of effective game preparation is developed through dedication and proactive tournament selection.

3.     Your opponents mistakes: Should not be expected, but certainly do happen. Element of luck definitely plays a part in scoring big victories.