Some players underestimate opponents in equal positions. Stay solid, defend well, and strike when they overextend out of arrogance.
If your opponent is always in time trouble, keep the position complicated. Extra calculation pressure will multiply their mistakes.
Overly defensive players can be pushed back. Seize space, create multiple weaknesses, and gradually increase pressure until they collapse.
Against hyper-aggressive players, stay calm and prioritize king safety. Let them burn out their attack, then counterattack when their position is weakened.
Moves that look risky but are sound can provoke overreactions. Use psychology carefully to guide opponents into mistakes without gambling recklessly.
Notice repeated opening choices or predictable pawn pushes. Prepare targeted responses that punish these habitual patterns.
Some players hate waiting. Against them, stay solid and force them to make the first mistake. Patience is often the best psychological weapon.
If your opponent reacts emotionally to mistakes, keep the pressure up. Small annoyances like pinning or repetition can make them crack further.
Some opponents hate complications. In these cases, steer the game into sharp tactical territory to maximize chances of error.
Grandmasters often build psychological profiles of opponents. Even at amateur level, noting tendencies (e.g., loves tactics, hates endgames) can guide your strategy.