According to such great attacking players as Bronstein and Tal, most combinations are inspired by the player's memories of earlier games.

Sometimes players need to gain time on the clock by repeating the position, but most often its purpose is to wear down the opponent psychologically.

I had a slightly inferior endgame that probably should have been drawn, but Kortchnoi kept torturing me with little threats until finally, exhausted and exasperated, I made a losing mistake.

Agreeing to draws in the middlegame, equal or otherwise, deprives you of the opportunity to practice playing endgames, and the endgame is probably where you need the most practice.

When you defend, try not to worry or become upset. Keep your cool and trust your position - it's all you've got.

Since your mental state can have such dramatic effects on your body, obviously your physical condition can affect your mental well-being. It follows that regular physical conditioning should be part of your overall chess training.

Typically, in the last round of open tournaments the level of play is markedly lower, the number of blunders higher.