Prophylaxis

Nimzowitsch and Petrosian

Before carrying out your plan, ask: what does my opponent want? Then stop it. A small move like h3 can kill a whole plan.

Key ideas

1. Every move, look for your opponent's threat first.
2. Take away the squares their pieces need.
3. An opponent without a plan makes mistakes alone.

When to use it

In quiet positions with no immediate tactics.

Solve puzzles on it