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📚 Chess Courses – Openings, Tactics, Middlegame, Endgames

The Candidate Move Checklist

Strong chess players don’t magically “see” the right move. They follow a process. This page gives you a simple checklist to choose better moves — even under time pressure.

Key idea:

Don’t hunt for the best move. Generate good candidate moves — then choose wisely.

What Is a Candidate Move?

A candidate move is a move that:

Is legal and safe
Addresses the position’s needs
Fits a reasonable plan
Doesn’t lose material or allow tactics

Most blunders happen before calculation — when bad candidates are chosen.

Why Players Miss Good Moves

They fixate on the first idea
They search tactics blindly
They assume a move is safe
They don’t compare alternatives

Related: Why You Miss Tactics

The Candidate Move Checklist

Step 1 – What Is My Opponent Threatening?

Before looking at your own ideas, ask:
- Are there checks, captures, or threats against me?
- Is something hanging?
- Can my opponent force something?
Step 2 – Checks, Captures, Threats (CCT)

Generate forcing candidates:
- Checks
- Captures
- Direct threats
Not all are good — but they must be considered.
Step 3 – Improve the Worst Piece

If no forcing move works, ask:
- Which piece is doing the least?
- Can I activate it safely?
- Can I improve coordination?
Step 4 – Pawn Moves & Structure

Consider pawn moves carefully:
- Does it create weaknesses?
- Does it open lines?
- Is it reversible?
Step 5 – Eliminate Bad Candidates

For each candidate, quickly check:
- Does it hang material?
- Does it allow tactics?
- Does it worsen king safety?
Step 6 – Compare 2–3 Moves

You don’t need ten options. Compare:
- Safety
- Simplicity
- Plan clarity