Building a Prep File (Simple Opponent Notes That Actually Help)
A “prep file” does not mean memorising twenty moves of theory. It means keeping a small set of opponent notes that improve your decisions in the opening and early middlegame — especially in tournaments and leagues.
What a Prep File Is (and Isn’t)
A prep file is:
- a short opponent profile
- patterns you can actually use during a game
- a way to reduce surprises, not eliminate them
A prep file is not:
- a database of opening lines
- a guarantee you will get an advantage
- an excuse to ignore core principles
The goal is simple: start the game with clarity.
The 80/20 Rule: What to Record
The most useful notes are high-level and repeatable.
Record things like:
- main openings they choose as White and Black
- whether they play fast or think long
- common early pawn structures they reach
- typical middlegame plans (attacking, simplifying, endgame aiming)
- recurring weaknesses (loose pieces, king safety neglect, impatience)
You are looking for tendencies, not one-off moves.
What to Ignore (So Your Prep Stays Clean)
- rare sidelines they played once
- engine-perfect refutations you won’t remember
- long tactical lines that depend on one exact move order
- notes that require “hoping” they cooperate
If a note needs perfect memory, it is not a good note.
A Simple 1-Page Prep File Template
Keep this structure for each opponent:
- Openings as White: (top 1–3)
- Openings as Black vs 1.e4: (top 1–2)
- Openings as Black vs 1.d4: (top 1–2)
- Style: fast/slow, tactical/positional, aggressive/solid
- Common plans: (2–3 bullets)
- Common errors: (1–3 bullets)
- My game plan: one sentence
If it doesn’t fit on one page, you’re doing too much.
How to Build the File From Real Games
Use a small sample, not their entire history.
Suggested method:
- pick their last 6–10 serious games
- for each game, note only: opening + structure + one big habit
- look for repeats, then compress into 5–8 bullets total
Repeated behaviour is what matters.
Turn Notes Into a Practical Game Plan
Your prep should end with one usable plan.
Examples:
- “Keep it solid early; they overpress when equal.”
- “Avoid their favourite structure; steer to quieter positions.”
- “Trade queens if offered; they play endgames impatiently.”
- “Be alert to cheap tactics; they rely on early tricks.”
One sentence is enough to guide your first decisions.
When to Update the Prep File
- after you play them (always add 1–2 notes)
- before an important rematch (quick refresh)
- if their openings clearly change (replace, don’t expand)
Prep files should evolve — but stay small.
A One-Sentence Prep File Reminder
“I’m preparing for tendencies, not predicting exact moves.”
That keeps your prep grounded and useful.