A pre-move checklist is a short set of questions you ask yourself before every move, so you catch threats and blunders before they happen. Versions of it are common in coaching, though this one is a general model and not the exact list of any named coach. It takes only a few seconds on quiet moves and a little longer in critical positions.
The Checklist
- What did my opponent just do? Look at the piece that moved, the line it opened and the square it now attacks.
- What are their threats? Check for checks, captures and any move that attacks something of yours.
- What is loose? Find your pieces that nothing defends, and theirs too.
- What are my candidate moves? List two or three. Include one forcing move, such as a check or capture, if there is one.
- Blunder check. After your chosen move, ask what your opponent can capture, check or fork.
- Press the button. Only move once the last question is answered.
Why It Works
Most games below master level are decided by a missed one-move threat, not by deep strategy. A checklist forces the habit of looking at the opponent’s last move first, which is the step most players skip. It also stops you from falling in love with your own plan.
Adapting It to the Clock
| Situation | How to use the checklist |
|---|---|
| Slow games | Run all six steps on every move, and write down your reasoning if the format allows |
| Rapid games | Shorten to steps 1, 2 and 5 on quiet moves, full list on critical ones |
| Blitz | Keep only the opponent’s last move and the blunder check |
How to Build the Habit
- Print or write the list and keep it beside the board when you practice.
- Play a few slower games where you follow it on every move, even when it feels silly.
- Afterward, look back and mark each game where you skipped a step and lost material.
- Once the questions feel natural, shorten them to keywords such as Last move, Threats, Loose, Candidates, Check.
- Repeat in faster games, keeping only the steps you need.
FAQ
How long should the checklist take?
A few seconds on routine moves. If a position feels sharp, give it more time, since those are the moments the list is for.
Does it work against a computer or engine?
Yes, as a habit for your own thinking. Use it in games against any opponent, then go over mistakes afterward to see which step you skipped.
The Short Version
Ask what changed, what is threatened, what is loose and what you can do, then check your move for blunders before you play it. Keep the full list for slow games and a short version for fast ones, and the habit will pay off quickly.
