Chess and Strategy

In the ideal state of affairs, moves should always do at least two things in concert: foil our opponent's aims while fostering ours. We can't do either properly if we do only one, and both can be accomplished by first assessing what the other player has done.

I spite of this chess truth, one of the most common mistakes players make is to try an idea independent of the circumstances, from a narrow point of view. Of course it's daunting to look from other or wider perspectives. There are so many changing relationships to monitor. No wonder novices concentrate mainly on thieir own forces.

Science provides proof. Recent studies have documented a commonsense observation that anyone can make by watching a [chess] player's eyes. Beginners are generally restricted to their side of the board. Practiced players typically inspect both sides. They gravitate toward the complex interactions between White and Black.

From Every Move Must Have a Purpose: Strategies from Chess for Business and Life, by Bruce Padolfini.